In What’s Up
• Contest: Saving coral reefs (page 18)
Activities at ideas.whatsup.sg
Gaza’s borders need to re-open to save its people from starvation (page 1 & 28)
More countries speak up, including Singapore, about the humanitarian disaster in the hope that Palestinians will be saved from starvation. Thankfully, “Vietnam celebrates 50 years since the end of the war with the US” (page 6). “Fighting war and growing peace between India and Pakistan” (page 7) shifts the focus to the heartwarming story about three young peace activists from India who spent a month in Pakistan where they were warmly welcomed.
Making Peace – For English & CCE, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Individual exercise. To be more aware of peace-promoting actions and attitudes. The student (1) fills in an organiser that summarises the three peace activists’ mission in Pakistan (2) describes the attitudes of these peace activists and (3) from a provided list, identifies actions that would promote peace at school. ⭐
Soliloquys of Hope – For English & CCE, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Whole-class activity. To practice empathy and oracy. Each student prepares and presents a two-minute soliloquy of hopes from the standpoint of a person in any one of the three stories of war and peace. Given: 10 suggested focus persons.
Mum’s example (page 1)
In Madagascar, a vegetable seller works hard to provide for her three daughters’ education. Such efforts, along with better policies and community practices, have improved “Girls’ lives” (page 14–15) elsewhere too. A 2025 UNICEF report highlights both the progress and challenges since 1995 when world leaders met in Beijing. Our photo essay offers glimpses into Rwanda, Pakistan, Cambodia, Mexico, and Afghanistan.
improving Children’s Lives – For English & CCE, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To generate solutions for issues affecting children. Each student uses the story to list how girls’ lives have improved in the last 30 years. In pairs, they select a problem faced by local children, generate solutions using a multi-faceted approach, and share them with the class. ⭐
Pope Leo is the new leader of the Catholic Church (page 8)
Follows his journey from church helper to the leader of the largest church in the world. Side bar “How is the Pope chosen?” leads into “The Sistine Chapel: where faith and art meet” (page 9–11). “Michelangelo’s masterpiece” (in the Sistine Chapel) is another inspiring read.
Like Michelangelo’s Ceiling Art — For Art & CCE, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Individual activity. To appreciate the challenge of creating ceiling murals. The student identifies a beautiful scene to replicate, paints a mini mural under a table while lying down, shares with the class the artwork and reflections on the experience.
Trade wars are hurting businesses and jobs everywhere (page 16-17)
A child-friendly explanation about the US-China trade war, with briefs on “Trading terms” and “How the US tariffs affect Singapore”. When Manchester United announced plans for a new stadium, we seize the opportunity to examine why “Football clubs are spending billions on new stadiums (page 27). Talking money sense continues with “A modern farmer grows strawberries in Senegal (page 12), supplemented by “The mystery behind fruit ripening” (page 19), with side bar “Ripen your fruits at home!”.
Our Fresh & Fruity Recipe – Science & English, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To apply knowledge about fruits for food planning. In pairs, students (1) sort 20 different fruits into climacteric and non-climacteric (2) respond to questions about how such differentiation is helpful for food planning against wastage (3) create an infographics poster presenting a fruit salad/dessert recipe with tips on keeping the fruits fresh. ⭐
Robots and humans work together in Singapore’s high-tech factory (page 9-11)
Singapore is manufacturing cars once again, but the Hyundai factory operates very differently from the old Ford factory. Also about robotics, “Clearing the world’s mine fields safely and affordably” (page 13) describes the Mine Kafon Ball that was inspired by designer Massoud Hassani’s childhood toys. While the whacky gadgets of “Doraemon, the robot cat” (page 17–18) make us laugh, they salute sci-fi creativity that paves the way for tomorrow’s inventions.
One Windy Day – Science and Art, level 2 c/o Linda DOWNLOAD
Individual activity. To express creativity using wind power, inspired by the Mine Kafon Ball invention. After watching two videos, the student constructs something beautiful (e.g. a windchime, wind-blown painting) that requires wind, and writes a short story using personification of wind and the object.
Gadgets Galore – English and Art, level 2 c/o Linda DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To enjoy crafting a short sci-fi story featuring an original futuristic gadget. Each group (1) watches a video displaying numerous gadgets featured in Doraemon comics (2) selects a favourite and answers questions about it (3) designs their own Doraemon-inspired gadget (4) writes and presents a humorous sci-fi story featuring their gadget.
Living with dragons (page 21)
The Ata Modo people of Komodo have been living peacefully on the island with over 5,000 Komodo dragons for 2,000 years. In case you plan to visit, “What if a dragon chases you?” (page 21) offers tips. This theme of human coexistence with wildlife continues with “A post office in the Antarctic” (page 20) where staff are also “Counting penguins”.
Wildlife Encounters – For English & Science, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To learn about wildlife-encounter tactics. Individually, students (1) choose from a list of given words/phrases the correct ones that describe Komodo dragons (2) extract from the story how the Ata Modo people coexist with these reptiles and (3) write what to do if one encounters them. They work in groups to (1) create a warning sign to be placed on the island (2) reflect on feelings about encountering potentially dangerous wildlife. ⭐
Job Advertisements – For English, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Individual exercise. To experience writing simple job advertisements. The student (1) uses the story to fill in the details of a job advertisement for an Antarctic postmaster (2) writes a job advertisement for a dream job. ⭐
Tiny art (page 23)
A peek into the work of miniature artist Lim Pui Wan in Malaysia. Across the causeway, Miniature Stories has been “Capturing Singapore’s history in miniature” (page 25) with unique creations. The fascination with everyday objects is shared by Japanese photographer Tatsuya Tanaka as he demonstrates “How to turn little objects into giant things” (page 24).
Tiny Textures, Big Designs – Science and Art, level 2 c/o Linda DOWNLOAD
Individual activity. To appreciate the beauty of natural tiny textures. In the spirit of the Tiny Art articles, the student (1) guesses what objects are featured in six images from a photomicrography competition (2) looks for four objects with tiny textures (3) sketches and describes the textures and (4) uses two of them to create repeated patterns usable for wrapping paper.
Fitting in: A loner, but not lonely (page 22-23)
This episode examines how we can make school more inclusive by reframing our questions about kids who seem to be different from the majority. In contrast to kids who prefer to be on their own, the inseparable “Tee & Boba” (page 28) prefer teamwork and stick together even when their efforts are in vain. Then, there are those who prefer canine best friends, as we can see from “China’s skate-doggies are rolling into people’s hearts” (page 26).
Feel the Form, Shape the Words – For Art & English, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To explore creating together without visual or verbal cues, Tee-&-Boba style. The pair (1) constructs a mini sculpture in silence and while blindfolded (2) reflects on their creation when they see it (3) writes a shape/concrete poem about their chosen item (4) displays their work in class. With two instructive videos to watch.
Recipe for Inclusive Classrooms – For English & CCE, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To articulate values for inclusivity. Each group lists and elaborates on ingredients that would create a more inclusive classroom community.
⭐ 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.
