Back to school: 6 ways to raise awareness in the classroom
Students in Kenya learn about the impact of climate change
It’s that time of year again! Summer has come to a close and millions of children around the world head back to class. A classroom is a place where new lessons are learned and new perspectives develop.
It’s the perfect place to raise awareness on issues like poverty and girls’ rights – issues that affect children in developing countries. But some global issues can be tough to explain and hard for children to understand.
We’ve come up with unique ways to raise awareness in the classroom and turn your students into global learners.
1. Classroom sponsorship
Have your classroom sponsor a child with Plan Canada – there’s no better way to understand what life is like for a child in a different part of the world. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about another country and the challenges children from particular communities face.
Your classroom will receive updates and can write letters to your sponsored child. Plus, sponsoring a child helps support another child and their community – a good life lesson on its own.
2. Pick a cause
Have your classroom pick a specific cause. Have students learn what the issue means, the number of people affected, how it impacts their lives and what you can do to help! Even better, we’re giving you a head start! Check out the list of fact sheets. They’re easy to download and they’ll give you all the details you need to know about a specific cause, like child protection, climate change, education, health, HIV and AIDS, emergencies, food security or Plan’s Because I am a Girl initiative!
3. Community Challenge
Take discussions in the classroom a step further and introduce the Kids Who Care Community Challenge to your students. It’s a resource that provides teachers and students with a series of fun, curriculum-based activities that will help students understand what makes a healthy community and why some communities develop differently from others.
The activities help engage students and encourage them to think outside the box. It’s a great way for kids to learn how they can make positive change in the world. Learn how you can take the Kids Who Care Community Challenge!
A young student works hard on her assignment in Egypt
4. Essay competition
Challenge your students to write an essay on a global issue close to their heart, having them explain what it means to them. Award the winner by donating to a charity of choice in the child’s name. Share winning essays with your students to create open discussions about issues that affect their rights. As a reference guide, check out some of the essays students wrote with Plan!
5. Diversity mural
Ask your class to create a mural celebrating multiculturalism and have every student share something important from their culture. This is a great way to promote diversity at school and to help children appreciate different cultures from around the world.
6. Private screening
Who doesn’t like going to the movies? Give your students an authentic movie experience and host a private screening once a month. The movie should draw attention to an issue you’ve discussed in class and help bring a particular issue to life. And remember to host a post-movie Q&A!
Your classroom can Plan to change the world and sponsor a child today!
