World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is an annual event held on May 31, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The day aims to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and its negative health effects, which include cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and many other health issues.

Each year, World No Tobacco Day focuses on a specific theme to address various aspects of tobacco control. These themes aim to educate the public, push for policy changes, and support tobacco users in quitting. Activities on this day often include public awareness campaigns, educational programs, policy advocacy, and support for quitting tobacco.

The initiative emphasizes the urgent need to implement measures such as banning tobacco advertising, promoting smoke-free environments, increasing tobacco taxes, and offering support for tobacco cessation to help reduce the global burden of tobacco-related diseases and deaths​ 

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2024  

Publication: Hooking the next generation: how the tobacco industry captures young customers 

https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/376853/9789240094642-eng.pdf?sequence=1

#AI Toolkit for #ELT by Svetlana Kandybovich @ELT_CATION

Here, you can try some AI-powered tools created by Svetlana Kandybovich to help generate better and more personalized ideas aligned with learners’ needs and interests. She designed these tools based on her classroom and materials writing experience. Before you start using them, be sure to read a quick How-To guide to get the most out of each tool. 

Svetlana Kandybovich is a teacher, teacher trainer, consultant, materials writer, project manager, and blogger.

Find this and other amazing resources on her blog:

https://eltcation.com/ai-tools-for-elt/

The NO Project

The No Project is an anti-slavery and anti-human trafficking initiative that focuses on raising awareness and educating the public, especially young people, about the realities and dangers of modern slavery and human trafficking. 

This project employs various forms of media, such as music, art, film, and social media campaigns, to engage and inform a wide audience about these critical issues. The goal of the No Project is to inspire action and involvement in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery by providing information, resources, and tools to help individuals understand the extent of these problems and how they can contribute to ending them.

https://www.thenoproject.org/

Learning for sustainability in Europe: Building competences and supporting teachers and schools

This Eurydice report examines how 39 European education systems develop sustainability skills among students and support teachers and schools in the green transition. It looks at how sustainability is integrated into European curricula and the role of teachers and school leaders in promoting sustainability education. The report also explores how schools adopt comprehensive sustainability approaches and receive support and guidance.

The report finds that most European countries include sustainability skills in their curricula, offer teacher training and resources, and support schools.

Find it on:

https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/dc327457-f875-11ee-a251-01aa75ed71a1/language-en

Worldwide Recycling Day. Wastebuster

Wastebuster is an environmental education organization focused on promoting waste reduction and sustainable practices among children, schools, and communities. 

The organization develops programs and resources to educate and engage young people in environmental stewardship, encouraging them to adopt behaviors that reduce waste, recycle more effectively, and minimize their ecological footprint.

Wastebuster's initiatives often include educational campaigns, competitions, and partnerships with schools to integrate sustainability into the curriculum. They provide a variety of tools and materials, such as lesson plans, activity guides, and interactive content, to help teachers and students learn about the importance of waste management and sustainability.

Find them on:

https://www.wastebuster.co.uk/resources

European Commission Actions for LGBTIQ equality

Many LGBTIQ people in the EU don't feel safe being open about their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. They often feel threatened and are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Many also don't feel safe reporting verbal abuse and physical violence to the police. 

LGBTIQ people in the EU face discrimination, hatred, and harassment every day. This can harm their physical, mental, and emotional health. We need to work to protect their rights and safety.

On this website, you can find actions for LGBTIQ equality undertaken by the European Commission 

https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/new-push-european-democracy/equality-and-inclusion/actions-lgbtiq-equality_en 

Press Freedoms Around the World

Virtual classroom lesson that explore the state of press freedoms in 22 nations, including videos of journalists in 10 countries recounting their reporting experiences. You can preview the lesson, then register for free to access the entire lesson or assign it to students.

https://get.checkology.org/lesson/press-freedoms-around-the-world/?_ga=2.149764086.1790731.1715350026-41883738.1715350026&_gl=1*64ks1c*_ga*NDE4ODM3MzguMTcxNTM1MDAyNg..*_ga_TCGD1R62ZJ*MTcxNTM1MDAyNS4xLjAuMTcxNTM1MDAyNS42MC4wLjA. 

European elections 2024. Educational toolkit

The European Parliament offers different resources to help you bring Europe closer to your students in an interactive way. In this section, you will find active lessons, thematic modules, pedagogical toolkits and audiovisual materials to discuss relevant European topics, generate debate and work with your students in a playful way. 

This toolkit provides an easy access to educational resources that will help you to leave space to young people for speaking up, bringing an idea, or asking a question with respect to the European elections.

Find it on: 

https://youth.europarl.europa.eu/files/live/sites/youth/files/assets/documents/ee24-educational-toolkit/european-elections-2024-educational-toolkit-en.pdf

The Impact of Climate Change on Education

The Impact of Climate Change on Education and What to Do About It discusses the effects of climate change on education systems and offers potential solutions. 

Written by Sergio Venegas Marin, Lara Schwarz, and Shwetlena Sabarwal and published by the World Bank, the publication delves into the challenges posed by climate change to educational institutions and outlines strategies to mitigate its impact.

Downloadable from:

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/761bcf7b-4bb6-4fea-b75b-146603d437bb 

Storynory. Audio stories for children

Storynory is a website that offers a collection of free audio stories for children. These stories include fairy tales, myths, classic literature, and original works. 

The website aims to promote literacy and listening skills in children through engaging storytelling. It provides a wide range of stories suitable for different age groups, and many of them are accompanied by text for reading along. Storynory also features educational resources such as language learning materials and storytelling tips for parents and teachers.

https://www.storynory.com/

Dialogs for everyday use

Short situational dialogs for students of English as a foreign language. 

This is a collection of 30 situational dialogs which focus on a wide variety of communicative and natural encounters in English. Each dialog is accompanied by language notes that provide useful information on grammar and intonation patterns.

Free to download:

https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/dialogs_for_everyday_use_508.pdf

Vocabulary Building Workbook

This resource will help you improve your vocabulary and learn new words commonly used in the workplace.

The workbook includes 24 lessons with a variety of exercises:

• Matching Meanings

• Using the Right Word

• Relating Meanings

• Analyzing and Comparing Words

• Reading Comprehension

• Crossword Puzzles

Each lesson starts with a list of words and definitions, and an example of how each word can be used in a sentence to help you better understand the meaning. Once you have read the vocabulary words and definitions in each lesson, you can begin the exercises. 

Find it on:

http://en.copian.ca/library/learning/hrsdc/vocabulary_workbook/vocabulary_workbook.pdf 

Links for ESL Students

This website offers a collection of links to various language learning and practice sites. You can find websites here for learning and practicing all skills: grammar, reading, writing, listening, idioms, and pronunciation.

https://esl.bowvalleycollege.ca/

Games to learn English

GamestoLearnEnglish.com is a website dedicated to providing educational games and activities to help learners of English improve their language skills in a fun and interactive way. 

The website offers a variety of games covering different aspects of English learning, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening comprehension, and more. These games are designed to engage learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and can be used both in classroom settings and for self-study. 

Find it on:

https://www.gamestolearnenglish.com/

Mad English TV

Mad English TV is a YouTube channel focused on teaching English as a second language in a fun and engaging way. The channel features a variety of educational content, including lessons on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions. The material is presented in an energetic and entertaining manner, often incorporating humor and visual aids to keep viewers engaged. 

The channel caters to learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and covers a wide range of topics to help improve English language skills. Besides, Mad English TV provides tips and strategies for language learning and offers interactive activities to reinforce learning.

Find this channel on:

https://www.youtube.com/@MadEnglishTV

Songtell

Songtell is an AI-powered platform that helps users understand the meaning behind song lyrics. With a database of over 800,000 song explanations and curated playlists around various themes, Songtell uses advanced artificial intelligence to analyze lyrics and extract key details, themes, and concepts from songs. It offers insightful interpretations that reveal the narrative, metaphor, social commentary, or personal story behind the words. 

While not always perfectly accurate, Songtell serves as a valuable resource for educators, students, music enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the meaning behind song lyrics.

Find it on: https://www.songtell.com/

Blog: https://blog.songtell.com/

10 Must Knows from Biodiversity Science 2024

In the 10 Must Knows from Biodiversity Science 2024, 64 scientists have built upon their previous findings and recommendations from the 10MustKnows22. They have added new information from relevant publications in 2022 and 2023 and connected it to the 23 global goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) from December 2022. 

The authors understand that the next six years until 2030 are crucial for achieving a sustainable and fair life on our planet. With the 10MustKnows24, they aim to help speed up the transformation by offering solid recommendations for politics and society.

https://zenodo.org/records/10837769/files/10MustKnows24_EN_digital%20version_final.pdf?download=1

Collection of short videos that can be used in the language classroom by @NikPeachey

160 video shorts for use in the language classroom. 

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/nikpeachey/video-shorts/ 

The Ares Almanac #AI

The Ares Almanac, available at www.pantheon.international/almanac, is an initiative launched by researchers from MIT and Pantheon Technologies. Its aim is to assist both experts and enthusiasts in navigating the waters of modern technology, although currently, the range of options available is quite limited.

The usefulness of the Ares Almanac extends to developers, researchers, students, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're seeking the latest data analysis tool or looking to experiment with AI-based text generators, the Ares Almanac provides a clear and organized starting point. It serves as a valuable resource for those looking to simplify the complexity of AI for a broader audience.

Find it on:

https://www.pantheon.international/almanac

Exploring the #Holocaust

The Holocaust Educational Trust offers "Exploring the Holocaust," a comprehensive and adaptable educational program designed for Key Stage 3 students in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and S2 students in Scotland. It can also be adjusted for older students. 

This scheme of work consists of 15 primary lessons covering History, Religious Education (or Philosophy as applicable), and Citizenship or PSHE. Additionally, teachers are encouraged to include English, with a guide available for teaching the Holocaust in this subject. Further resources are provided for teachers to enhance the program, along with guidance on integrating Drama and Art.

Visit:

https://www.het.org.uk/exploring-the-holocaust-menu 

Download the Exploring the Holocaust teachers' guide:

https://www.het.org.uk/images/downloads/Resources/Exploring_the_Holocaust_Teachers_Guide.pdf