Keep Calm and Teach English

800 million Europeans are represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states and all are encouraged to discover more languages at any age. This stems from the Council of Europe’s conviction that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent.  The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are to: alert the public to the importance of language learning and diversify the range of languages learned in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding; promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe; encourage lifelong language learning in and out of school. In keeping with these rules, people, young and old, are encouraged to take up a language, or take special pride in their existing language skills. Also, those responsible for providing access to language learning are encouraged to make it easier for people to learn a range of languages, and...

With 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe, and 47 member states, it's no wonder that the Council strongly believes in linguistic diversity as a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent. The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are to: alert the public to the importance of language learning and diversify the range of languages learned in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding; promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe; encourage lifelong language learning in and out of school. In keeping with these rules, people, young and old, are encouraged to take up a language, or take special pride in their existing language skills. Also, those responsible for providing access to language learning are encouraged to make it easier for people to learn a range of languages, and to support policy initiatives to promote langua...

Every school year there will be students who question the necessity of learning English or in fact any foreign language. The problem here in Greece lies, among other things, in the fact that children start learning English at a young age (as soon as they start primary school) both at school and in foreign language centres, with the aim of passing their B2 and C2 exams before they are 15 years old. Many become overwhelmed and resent English classes. Taking into account my students, (middle schoolers, 12-15 years old) I created a video in PowToon explaining why learning Foreign Languages and in particular English is important. Feel free to use it with your classes if it is applicable. I wish you all a creative school year. P.S. There is a spelling mistake somewhere in the video but I cannot edit it now without losing basic features from the video. So either play "a spot the mistake game" or just please ignore it....