This month’s IDEAS activities
Families desperately seeking safety (page 9)
Thousands of Central Americans are trying to enter USA even as its president tries to stop them. On page 8, “From child refugee in Mozambique to school principal in the United States” is an inspiring account that speaks volumes for giving people a chance.
Dear Mr President — For English & CCE, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Individual. To apply persuasion skills. Students to write a letter to the US president explaining the situation and persuading him to extend help to the refugees.
What Makes Them Happy? — For CCE & English, Level 1 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To practice empathy. From a given list of ten, each group selects one individual, and speculates what would make that person happy.
Anak Krakatau triggers tsunami (page 11)
Explains how a volcano triggered a tsunami, and the devastation that resulted. “The many faces of Indonesia’s volcanoes”(page 12–13) is a photo essay on volcanoes in Indonesia.
Fundraising Campaign Speech — For English & CCE, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To hone oracy and better appreciate aid agency work. Students (i) discuss issues surrounding relief efforts, and (ii) deliver a fund-raising speech.
The Ring of Fire — For Science, Level 1 – DOWNLOAD
Individual. To grasp the impact of nature’s forces. Given an outline map and a list of volcanoes, students label the countries of five volcanoes that erupted in 2018. *
Japan goes back to hunting whales (page 14)
After a 33-year ban on hunting whales for profit, Japan will resume whaling this year, despite protests by other countries. A balanced look at whaling traditions and the cost to ocean life.
Traditions or Whales? A Debate — For English and CCE, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To encourage a nuanced consideration of both sides of the issue. Students are to use information from the article and engage in a debate. Motion given.
Island Nations — For Social Studies, Level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To discover unique features of island nations. From a list of 18 island nations, each team picks one and compares it to Singapore following the given guidelines.
Alba the albino orangutan returns to the wild (page 15)
The world’s first known albino orangutan is rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to the wild. But, she faces challenges such as hunters and poachers. A heart-warming story.
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.
No More Poaching, Please! — For English & CCE, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To encourage problem-solving. Students prepare for a creative presentation to an imaginary kindergarten class in Borneo to teach them ills of poaching.
Fairer is better? That’s not fair! (page 19)
The third in our series on racial discrimination, the focus is on colourism. Includes tips on how to help fight discrimination against dark-skinned people.
Storybook Power – For Eng, Art & CCE, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To express creativity for a worthy cause. Each group reviews a relevant storybook/song, creates and reads to younger kids an original picture book.
Firm, Kind & Caring – For CCE & English, level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To better understand the power of wisely-selected words. Using the scenario in the article, a worksheet on speaking firmly in a kind and caring way to address racism.
Learning from Osaka’s ‘worst attitude’ (page 23)
After a bad defeat this month, Naomi Osaka showed how a champion athlete responds to disappointment. A good role model demonstrating humility, honesty, and self-awareness.
Lessons of Failure – For CCE & English level 2 – DOWNLOAD
Individual. To acquire greater self-awareness through reflexivity. A worksheet with guiding questions for composing an essay on lessons learnt from a personal experience of failure.
Art Speaks to Me – CCE & English, level 3 – DOWNLOAD
Individual. To reflect more deeply on attitudes to challenges. Uses “Art to Heart” and artist Linda Yew’s advice to inspire a healthier approach to progress that seems too slow.
* Answers 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.
