Since our classes have become more multicultural, sometimes we have kids from all over the world; a special celebration for Christmas for example is not always suitable.
So how about organizing weird day celebrations or events that would make children happy and learn at the same time? Here are some ideas I have used over the years:
• Children’s Dental Health Month (February): Let’s talk about teeth! You can even start a project with your students. Depending on the age, read / tell them a story about teeth and/or a tooth fairy. Have students draw posters or storybooks. They can even act the story out. Ask them about their morning / evening routines. Again they can draw their eating and hygiene routines. What is good or bad for our teeth? Maybe a dentist could come to class to talk to them about dental hygiene. The older students can write a report about it (in English of course)
• Free Comic book day. (May 4th) Students (intermediate level or higher) bring a comic book and present it in class. Another alternative is to create a comic book in class. Divide the class into groups. One group writes the story while the other draws. You can even use a computer and make a photo comic collage.
• Environmental Day (June 5th) – Hug a Tree day (May 16th) Take your class outside to a park and talk about the environment. Talk about trees. What little steps can we take to save it from pollution? Make lists to hang on your class walls. Talk about recycling. Clean a park or an area around your school. (Parents can help as well)
• Museum day (May 18th) Organize a school trip to a nearby museum. Give kids a questionnaire in English and divide them into groups. The students not only have to find the answers to the questions going around the museum, but they also have to do it in English (understand. translate) – if you can’t take the students outside the school, this can also become an internet project.
• Creativity day (April 21st) Make an art exhibition. Students can draw, make a sculpture, take a picture and write the story behind it (in English)
I am sure that there are wonderful strange celebrations around the world and these were only some ideas. I’d be happy to hear your feedback if you try out any of these.
Links: Short fairytale about a tooth fairy: https://www.bedtimestoryforkids.com/short-fairy-tale-stories-for-kids-gabriel-fairy/
UN World creativity day: https://www.un.org/en/events/creativityday/
National Healthy Food days: https://www.eatthis.com/national-food-holidays/
Disclaimer: All content written for our magazine is produced independently by teachers working in the English language teaching profession around the world. The views and opinions expressed in the content produced by these writers does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the British Council.