June Topic: World Oceans Day

June 8th is WORLD OCEANS DAY!  Officially declared by the U.N. in 1992, this day was intended to help us recognize the importance of oceans as part of our overall ecosystem. Given that they cover 71% of the Earth's surface and represent 99% of the living space, why not get your ESL students talking about the importance of oceans as sources of food, oxygen, and medicine around the world! 

Read more about World Oceans Day here!

WARM-UP QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF OCEANS 

1. Name the world's five oceans. Which one(s) are closest to your home country?

2. What are some things people do in oceans?  Which ones have you done? Explain. 

3. Why are oceans considered to be one of the world's most important resources?
4. What are some differences between an ocean, a sea, a lake, a river and a pond? (i.e. resources, animal and plant life, commercial & recreational uses...etc).

RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR ESL STUDENTS AROUND THE TOPIC OF OCEANS:

ESL Holiday Lessons: Reading with activities on World Oceans Day

National Geographic: An online quiz on oceans

Protect Planet Ocean: Why are oceans important?
ESL Discussions: Conversation questions about oceans

To Learn English: All about ocean and continents online activities

BogglesWorld ESL: Continents and oceans wordsearch puzzle
Espresso English: 27 picture vocabulary ocean words

Learning Chocolate: Vocabulary and listening exercise on oceans

ESL Printables: Ocean worksheets and activities:  teacher sharing site

Fact Monster: Fact table about oceans and seas - get your students to create their own questions!

Science Kids: Fun facts about the oceans
Breaking News English: A reading with activities on ocean pollution
Teacher Phil English: Advanced video lesson on oceans

Ocean Today: 10 minute World Oceans Day webinar for educators

Beach Chair Scientists: 100 quotes about oceans
YouTube: Learn about The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Visually: Download Great Pacific Garbage Patch infographic: ask your students some questions!

NATURE: Website about the movie "OCEANS" by Disney with PDF downloads for educators

A fun way to explore the oceans is to watch the ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Classified as part thriller, and part meditation on the vanishing wonders of the sub-aquatic world.

 

June Topic and Themes!

For many teachers and students, June marks the end of the school year, but for others, it's about getting ready for summer classes! There's still a lot to talk about with your ESL students so be sure to check out our June Topics and Themes and don't forget to follow ESL Made Easy for weekly posts. One topic that may not get a lot of attention is Father's Day (June 18th). Why not use the days ahead to talk about the history of Father's Day as well as the various roles fathers play in the family and in the community. 

Other noteworthy topics for this month are World Ocean Day, International Sushi Day, the Summer Solstice, World Music Day, and International Anti-Drug Day.