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10 Fun Plant-Based Classroom Hacks for TEFL Teachers


 23rd December 2024

If you want to bring a fresh perspective to your TEFL teaching, then embracing the green revolution can be the perfect solution for your TEFL classroom!

In a world where climate change poses the biggest challenge of our time, teachers hold the power to inspire the next generation to be eco-conscious warriors. Whether you're an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educator or not, integrating plant-based hacks into your teaching routine can spark immediate environmental changes and pave the way for lasting habits.

Let's explore creative yet practical sustainability tips that won't overhaul your curriculum but will surely transform your classroom into a hub of environmental mindfulness and enthusiasm for both TEFL educators and students!

So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

10 Plant-Based Classroom Hacks

Here are ten plant-based hacks that will inspire your students and help create a sustainable future. From reducing plastic use to integrating green routines, these ideas will surely bring a fresh breeze of eco-consciousness to your TEFL lessons.

1. A Plant-Friendly Classroom

Transforming your classroom into a lush, green oasis isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's backed by science! Adding plants like Golden pothos, Jade, and English ivy can do wonders for indoor air quality while also reducing the incidence of colds and boosting everyone's mood. Plus, having plants in the classroom can spark curiosity and bring out the nurturing side of your students.

Incorporate plants into your lessons by organizing simple growth measurement projects or assigning “plant buddies” to students who must care for them. It’s an engaging way to teach responsibility and teamwork, as students work together to keep the greenery flourishing. The added bonus? Seeing plants grow and thrive can build a magical connection between students and the natural world, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of our plant’s delicate ecosystems. So, go ahead and grab a plant – or ten!

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2. Reduce Plastic Usage

Ready to take a huge leap toward sustainability with your students? Say hello to the "Be Plastic Clever" campaign! It's as straightforward as making a firm pledge to cut down on single-use plastics (SUPs) in your classroom and beyond. With tools like the comprehensive Kids Against Plastic workbook at your disposal, you’re primed for success.

Kick things off with a basic plastic audit: identify those pesky SUPs lurking around the school and in students' bags and pencil cases. Once you’re aware, you can swap them out for eco-friendly alternatives. What's fantastic about this initiative is that it doesn’t eat up tons of class time, yet the impacts are apparent. Plus, the enthusiasm for change can ripple beyond the classroom walls, transforming your students into trailblazing eco-warriors within the community!

3. Sharing Posts in Social Media

Here’s a fun and interactive hack that melds social media with eco-awareness! Assign your students the task of finding 3-5 videos related to environmental topics such as deforestation or food waste. Ask them to share their favourite clip with two classmates, and showcase the best ones in the next class. Not only do students love engaging with Instagram and Youtube Reels, but this also tweaks their algorithms to automatically promote content focused on combating The Climate Crisis.

What an exciting way to ensure their feeds are filled with inspiration and impactful ideas, driving them towards sustainability-driven content rather than endless dance loops and dog videos (though who doesn’t appreciate those, right?).


 

4. Introduce Letter-Writing Campaign

Bring out the persuasive power in your students with a dynamic letter-writing campaign! Crafting letters isn't just about enhancing writing skills for exams; it's a meaningful way to engage in real-world issues that matter to them. The beauty of this campaign is seeing the light bulb moment when students realize their words wield the power to spark change.

You don’t need to look far for a cause, consider aligning it with your plastic reduction efforts. Once students experience the impact of their voices, they become eager to tackle their next advocacy project. Their writing improves, their confidence soars, and most importantly, they learn that they can make a tangible difference. This enriching activity turns routine learning into memorable, purpose-driven experiences.

5. Introduce Eco-friendly Greenery Routines

Finding time for green initiatives in a packed classroom schedule might seem challenging, but the key is integration! Turn "dead class time" into impactful "eco class time." A simple way is to have students craft a tweet explaining how the day’s lesson relates to climate impact. This tiny routine not only inspires green thinking but keeps sustainability front and center without revamping your curriculum.

Embrace the mantra of “little and often,” converting everyday lessons into sustainable wisdom! By weaving these quick activities into your daily routine, your students will organically evolve into green-minded individuals ready to tackle real-world challenges.

6. Build Alliances with Local Environmental Groups

Teaming up with local environmental groups can be a game changer for your classroom’s eco-friendly initiatives! These groups work tirelessly to improve our environment, and they can offer incredible support and resources for your green projects. With their help, your class could participate in activities like large-scale clean-ups, attend exciting protest marches, or even help with campaigns dedicated to protecting local wildlife.

Not only does this reduce your workload, but it also extends your classroom’s impact into the wider community. Let your institution become a hub of environmental activism and inspire students to become true advocates for our plant!

7. Introduce Simple Green Projects

Ready to sprinkle some creativity and sustainability in your classroom? Simple green projects might just be your answer! Consider kicking off a project like an upcycled art show, where students can flex their artistic muscles by crafting masterpieces from recycled materials. This encourages critical thinking and collaboration, while also teaching the value of repurposing. Or how about embarking on a podcast project on environmental issues?

It’s perfect for students who struggle with public speaking as they can record their thoughts in a relaxed setting. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for tech-savvy students to showcase their editing and marketing prowess. Whether it’s art, audio, or maybe even video, each project is an opportunity to inspire and educate in a fun and memorable way!

8. Incorporate Green Letter Days

Green Letter Days can add a fresh spark to your classroom! Imagine kicking off each class with a short discussion on an environmental day, whether it’s the International Day of the Forest or World Water Day. Just acknowledging these days for two minutes can skyrocket awareness among students about various global ecological issues.

And speaking of special days, why not turn a student's birthday into a day focused on their personal passion, such as the International Day of Valeria’s Owl Enthusiasm?

Incorporating Green Letter Days into your calendar is easy. There’s a comprehensive list of environmental days available online to make planning a breeze. These small steps can cultivate a more conscious and informed classroom, while also encouraging students to take personal initiatives in areas they care about. It’s all about making learning fun and impactful!

9. Introduce Cleaner Commute Initiative

Let’s talk about getting to your classroom in style, an eco-friendly style! A Cleaner Commute initiative could dramatically reduce your class's carbon footprint. Encourage students to carpool with friends, hop on public transport, or even ride bicycles to school. For schools lacking bike racks, why not channel that green spirit into starting a letter-writing campaign to local authorities for bike-friendly infrastructure?

A Cleaner Commute is not only about saving the plant but also about saving precious time for the family members who do the driving duty. Sharing journeys can streamline daily routines and even build student camaraderie. Offer platforms for parents and students to coordinate travel plans and watch as the community embraces this green transformation. Who doesn’t love an extra bit of time saved in the day?

10. Be the Example For Students

Leading by example is perhaps one of the most powerful tools in cultivating a greener mindset in our students! Teachers have the golden opportunity to demonstrate sustainable practices every day in the classroom. Consider swapping out those plastic water bottles for reusable ones and choosing refillable whiteboard markers over disposable options. If you encourage students to walk or use public transportation, showing them that you do too can inspire them to take it seriously. Make being eco-friendly visible in your daily actions.

Remember, actions often speak louder than words, and your sustainable choices can have a ripple effect that influences students to adopt these practices in their lives. By being the example of plant-friendly habits, you are empowering the next generation to be change-makers in their communities. It’s all about walking the talk and igniting the spark of positive change!

Final Thoughts

By integrating these plant-based classroom hacks, TEFL educators who have pursued courses like Nursery Teacher Training Courses, can transform learning environments into vibrant hubs of sustainability and creativity. From greening up the classroom with plants to engaging students in plastic reduction campaigns and letter-writing efforts, these small steps contribute significantly to eco-awareness.

Encouraging students to utilize social media for good, setting the example as an educator yourself, and forming alliances with community eco-groups can extend the impact beyond the classroom. Remember, the goal is to foster a greener mindset and inspire a generation of active change-makers!
 

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Written By : Park Jin Ae

 

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