This month’s IDEAS activities
Cheating for their children (page 8)
The shocking discovery that some wealthy parents in the US and elsewhere cheated to get their kids into universities. Side bar “Cheaters don’t win” is about how it does not help the kids.
Why is Cheating So Wrong? — For CCE and English, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Whole class. To enhance moral development. Guidelines for a class discussion on why cheating is wrong, values it may promote, and societal consequences.
Saving the pangolin (page 12-13)
An engaging centerspread that is all about pangolins: why they are in danger, conservation and rescue efforts, and some fun facts as well.
Say the Word – For English, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To practise careful reading for recall, comprehension, and inferred meanings. Students match words with synonyms from the story.
Poster: Save the Pangolin! – For CCE & Art, level 1 – DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To use art for wildlife conservation efforts. Steps for making a poster that encourages the public to protect pangolins in South East Asia.
Vocab Builder – English, level 1 – DOWNLOAD
Individual exercise. To strengthen vocabulary and syntax. Students (i) examine the use of given phrases in the story, and (ii) use the phrases to construct their own sentences.
Special teachers who help their countries (page 16)
Swaroop Rawal was a celebrity, but gave it all up to teach children. She travels around India teaching in many schools, and has trained over 10,000 teachers in the use of drama.
Slice the Pie – For Math, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To practise visual representation of data. Math problems: writing numbers in numerals, percentages, degrees and pie charts. Steps provided for pie chart.
If I Were a teacher –– For English and CCE, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Individual. To express ideals about teaching and learning. The student imagines being a teacher, selects three qualities from a given list, and shares personal ideals with the class.
Street kids who danced their way to stardom (page 17)
Nigerian street kids join a dance troupe led by Seyi Oluyole, who gives them a home and helps them go back to school.
From Singapore to Nigeria — For CCE & ICT, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To creatively express admiration and empathy through digital media. Students to make a short video as a shout-out to the Dream Catchers on Instagram.
In Aunty Seyi’s Footsteps — For CCE and English, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To exercise project planning. Each group develops a proposal to carry out a performing arts project with under privileged kids at a local community club.
Just joking? But not all jokes are fun for all (page 19)
The sixth in our Regardless of Race series, this time we look at the differences between healthy and unhealthy humour. Side bars: “What you can do”, “Dr Seuss chose humour”, and “Clown doctors”.
A Closer Look at Sarcasm – For CCE, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Individual. To be more aware of sarcasm as a form of verbal aggression. Students reflect on the motives and outcomes of sarcasm, and then propose solutions to given anecdotes.
Say “No” to Racial Jokes – For CCE & Drama, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To develop interpersonal skills for growing respectful relationships. A role-playing exercise: students take turns at being mean jokers, victims, and observers.
Made in Singapore (page 20)
The author goes in search of local products such as shirts featuring quirky prints of everyday items that have become iconic here. Followed by an art-and-craft activity with kuti kuti.
Local … really? – For CCE, Level 1 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To become more aware of Singapore’s achievements. A gap-fill exercise with easy clues for 12 local food brands, followed by three reflective questions.
Singaporeans Can Do It Too! – For CCE & English, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To take pride in national identity. Given a description about each company, students identify brands of products made in Singapore. With a reflection question.
Answers to these activities will be emailed to teachers on the IDEAS mailing list. To join the mailing list, please email your name, designation and school to ideas@whatsup.sg.
