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Healthy Schools Worldwide

Healthy Schools Worldwide

Objective: This worksheet aims to raise students' awareness of health initiatives in schools, both locally and globally, and to encourage them to critically evaluate and design their own concepts for promoting health in a school environment.


Content and methods: The worksheet starts with a dialogue between two students, Tony (Canada) and Adelia (Germany), discussing healthy initiatives in their respective schools, such as daily salads and sports activities in Canada, and a weekly "Fruit Day" in Germany. Students are asked to reflect on similar measures at their own school and suggest additional ones. Following this, the worksheet presents reports from three teenagers from different countries who describe health concepts in their schools and cities. Students then analyze these concepts and identify their preferences. The final activity involves group work where students design their own concept for a healthy school, considering measures, implementation, and government support.


Competencies:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Comparative analysis of health initiatives
  • Critical thinking and evaluation
  • Problem-solving and concept development
  • Collaboration and group work
  • Advocacy and policy suggestion


Target group: 5th-8th grade

YP
ZT
AW
BA

55 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

5th-8th grade

Subjects

Geographynon-subject specific content

Healthy Schools Worldwide

My healthy school

Tony

Hi Tony! How was your first week back at school in Canada?

16:00

Hi Adelia! It was great! My school started a healthy initiative.

16:05

Really? What kind of initiative?

16:06

We have salads in the cafeteria every day, and younger kids all have a healthy breakfast together.

16:07

Wow! That's amazing. Do you like the salads?

16:08

Yes, they are really good. We also have sports activities during breaks every day.

16:09

I wish my school in Germany did something like that.

16:10

Doesn't your school have any health initiatives?

16:11

We do have some. We have a weekly "Fruit Day" where everyone gets free fruit.

16:12

That sounds nice too! Do you like it?

16:13

Yes, I love the apples. But I think daily sports activities would be fun.

16:14

Maybe you could suggest it to your teachers?

16:15

That's a good idea, Tony. I'll try it. Thanks!

16:16

No problem, Adelia! Let me know how it goes.

16:17

Will do! Talk later, Tony.

16:18

Bye, Adelia!

16:19

My healthy school

Reports of healthy school concepts

Read what three teenagers from different countries have to say about concepts for a healthy school in their city. Then, answer the question below.

Liam from Canada

Liam from Canada
Hello, my name is Liam and I live in Toronto. My school has about 1,200 students. In Canada, mental health issues like anxiety and depression are significant among teenagers. The government has introduced various mental health programs and counseling services to address these issues. At our school, we have access to school counselors and mental health workshops. I think these initiatives are helpful, but I wish there were more activities focusing on stress management and physical well-being.
Mental health issues are a significant concern among Canadian teenagers, with initiatives like counseling services and mental health workshops in place to address them.

Emily from Australia

Emily from Australia
G'day, my name is Emily and I live in Sydney. My school has around 1,000 students. In Australia, teenage pregnancy, alcohol use, and mental health issues are major concerns among teenagers. The government has launched educational programs and health services to tackle these issues. At our school, there are health education classes and access to a school nurse who provides advice and support. I appreciate these programs, but I think more focus on mental health support and extracurricular activities would be beneficial.
Teenage pregnancy, alcohol use, and mental health issues are major concerns among Australian teenagers, with educational programs and health services implemented to address them.

Sofia from Argentina

Sofia from Argentina
Hola, my name is Sofia and I live in Buenos Aires. My school has about 900 students. In Argentina, issues like teenage pregnancy and mental health problems are significant among teenagers. The government offers health education and free access to healthcare services to address these issues. At our school, we have health workshops and a school psychologist available for support. I find these initiatives useful, but I wish there were more programs specifically aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy and promoting mental well-being.
Teenage pregnancy and mental health problems are significant concerns among Argentine teenagers, with health education and free healthcare services available to address them.

Our concept for a healthy school

Get together in groups of four and design your own concept for a healthy school. The following questions might help you.

Which measures should be part of the concept?

How should they be implemented?

How should the government support concepts like this?