{"id":18320,"date":"2022-04-18T10:14:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T16:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=18320"},"modified":"2023-10-19T03:26:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T09:26:05","slug":"teach-sustainability-esl-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-sustainability-esl-classroom\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Earth Day Lesson Plans to Teach Sustainability in the ESL Classroom"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re celebrating Earth Day or want to use your ESL classroom as a vehicle for positive change year-round, these lesson plans for teaching online and in person will get you started. Read on to find out how to teach sustainability in the ESL classroom and how to offset your own carbon footprint while working in the TEFL\/TESOL industry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you teach sustainability in the ESL classroom?<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-85075d4d-bce9-4373-a7f7-2f3e58d8aece\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4df4387b-ce12-4297-8c11-d86b72f4a628\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Prioritize interactive activities.<\/strong> Sustainability is both about education and action. When combining ESL\/EFL and environmental education, don&#8217;t forget to choose activities that engage students and allow them to actively participate in what they&#8217;re learning. For example, if you have students read an article about a new environmental law being considered, get them to follow up by writing letters to their representatives that use the new vocabulary they&#8217;ve learned while also taking action to make a positive change. <\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-c8983a24-d0be-426d-ae98-d303b84a069c\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Mix up the language skills you target.<\/strong> Almost any English language skill or topic can be learned through the lens of sustainability. Be sure to vary the types of activities you do so that your students get to practice their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Using more than one skill will not only appeal to more students \u2013 as everyone learns differently \u2013 but will also help learners absorb the information better since they&#8217;ll be exposed to it in a myriad of ways.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6f64fc49-c787-4788-a9cc-bcc8883856d0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Take advantage of the many different resources available. <\/strong>Use a variety of media and resources when planning your lessons. This will keep learners interested and ensure that your lessons are dynamic and engaging. For example, make use of videos, podcasts, articles, and outdoor activities!<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/free-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get more tips for designing lesson plans and finding free lesson ideas online.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some ESL activities for Earth Day for teens and adults?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch a video on plastic pollution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This Earth Day lesson plan is great for both in-person and online classes and gets students practicing their listening skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start the class by asking students to consider how humans have had a negative impact on the earth. Discuss students&#8217; responses and talk about the consequences of each issue (littering, producing too much trash, not recycling, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose a short video (around 2-5 minutes) that introduces the topic of plastic pollution. There are plenty of relevant videos on YouTube from which to choose, but here&#8217;s an example from National Geographic to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How We Can Keep Plastics Out of Our Ocean | National Geographic\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HQTUWK7CM-Y?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before class, choose a few vocabulary words from the video you select. Pre-teach these words by creating a slideshow with related images to elicit the vocabulary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, give the students a few questions to think about while they watch the video you&#8217;ve chosen. These should be general questions to see whether they understand the main gist of what they&#8217;ve seen. For example, you can ask, &#8220;What is the problem the video addresses? Where is this an issue?&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students can discuss their answers after the video. Use the video as a launching point for students to discuss ideas to combat the issue of plastic pollution. Brainstorm how they can make positive changes in their own lives to reduce their plastic use. Teens might also enjoy creating their own posters to showcase their ideas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-english-using-video\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a Micro-credential course in Teaching English Using Video for more ideas.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send letters\/emails to government officials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity is excellent for teaching more advanced students how to write formal emails and letters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give learners time to research who their elected officials are or which environmental agencies exist where they live (preferably, assign this task as homework). Then, in class, present a sample letter to model good letter writing skills. See if students can help you label the parts of the sample letter (header, date, greeting, introduction, main content, signature, etc.). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, ask them to each choose an environmental issue that they feel passionately about. Brainstorm options such as recycling, pollution, etc. Next, students will use the model letter you presented to create their own letters voicing their concerns. It&#8217;s also a good idea to pre-teach some relevant vocabulary they can include in their letters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity is great for improving students&#8217; writing skills, and learners will be able to use the letter template you provide for many different types of formal letters they may need to draft in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Listen to a podcast about environmental issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Podcasts can be a great way to liven things up in the ESL classroom. There are tons of podcasts out there that tackle topics related to environmental issues. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asustainablelife.co.uk\/a-sustainable-life-podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sustainable(ish) Podcast<\/a> looks at what people can do in their own lives to help the environment, and <a href=\"https:\/\/janegoodall.ca\/hope-inspiration\/hopecast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Hopecast by Jane Goodall<\/a> shares her unique perspective and includes interviews with guests who are striving to make positive changes around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use podcasts in a myriad of ways to teach English. For example, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/creating-materials-efl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">incorporate your own EFL materials<\/a> into the lesson by creating a fill-in-the-blank worksheet where students have to listen closely to the podcast to fill in the missing words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/materials-development-efl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn how to create your own materials for the EFL classroom by taking this Micro-credential course.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use podcasts to facilitate meaningful discussions and roleplays, highlight new vocabulary words, and teach concepts like narration and storytelling. Having students break out in pairs (either in person or virtually if your online teaching platform allows it) and interviewing each other about the environmental issues highlighted in the podcast episode is a great way to get them to practice their speaking skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-english-using-podcasts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a Micro-credential course in Teaching English Using Podcasts for more ideas!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some ESL activities for Earth Day for young learners?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1477\" height=\"1108\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/107-414b64221e9284610f88d76b8ffeba21_4DBBE597-7F8D-48DE-A85A-881BE97E24D6.jpg\" alt=\"ESL teacher\" class=\"wp-image-18329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/107-414b64221e9284610f88d76b8ffeba21_4DBBE597-7F8D-48DE-A85A-881BE97E24D6.jpg 1477w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/107-414b64221e9284610f88d76b8ffeba21_4DBBE597-7F8D-48DE-A85A-881BE97E24D6-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/107-414b64221e9284610f88d76b8ffeba21_4DBBE597-7F8D-48DE-A85A-881BE97E24D6-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/107-414b64221e9284610f88d76b8ffeba21_4DBBE597-7F8D-48DE-A85A-881BE97E24D6-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1477px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Teacher Sanet Meyer, from South Africa, working with young learners outdoors in Taiwan<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are teaching in person, taking the class outside can be a whole lot of fun! Create a nature scavenger hunt ahead of time with the vocabulary words you want students to learn. Print off copies for each student. Go over the list before heading outdoors, so the children understand each word (include both the written vocabulary word and an image next to it). For example, you could include words like <em>tree, bee, cloud, ladybug, spider web, <\/em>and<em> rock<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See if the students can find all of the things on the list. You can even turn it into a competition by seeing who can find the most, who can find them all the fastest, etc. At the end of the activity, be sure to talk about how each item\/insect is a part of the earth&#8217;s ecosystem and how to treat it with respect.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-a1e83056-6637-4e79-b6f8-64b7a6a3014b\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a8e9b400-091b-425e-ab38-97995dd8005e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong><em>Online adaptation:<\/em><\/strong> Send students the scavenger hunt ahead of time and include things they can gather, such as rocks, leaves, sticks, or flowers. Have them find the objects before class and bring them in to share them with their classmates. Ask thoughtful questions about what they found. For example, see how many students found pink flowers or who brought the largest leaf.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-online-games-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a Micro-credential course in Games and Activities for the Online Classroom to learn more educational games.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"559\" height=\"396\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/46-Celeste-Gonzalez-Photo-1.png\" alt=\"freelance online ESL teacher\" class=\"wp-image-18331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/46-Celeste-Gonzalez-Photo-1.png 559w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/46-Celeste-Gonzalez-Photo-1-480x340.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 559px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Celeste Gonzalez, an online ESL teacher, made her students a video to teach them a song about the earth.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read a book about the environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/storytelling-for-young-learners-in-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Storytelling is so important for young learners<\/a>, and there are plenty of books out there that you can use to teach sustainability in the ESL classroom. For example, Dr. Suess&#8217; famous book, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/7784.The_Lorax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Lorax<\/a><\/em>, is full of rhyme, vivid illustrations, and lively characters to keep children interested. The story is a great way to get kids thinking about the impact that they have on the environment and how positive change is possible, while practicing their English skills of course!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus, Random House Children&#8217;s Books has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seussville.com\/classroom-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website with free educational resources<\/a> to accompany Dr. Suess books. There are several downloadable resources that go with <em>The Lorax<\/em>. For example, you can print off (or send virtually) copies of coloring pages, word searches, and other activities to complement your lesson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can English teachers practice sustainability in their own lives?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1139\" height=\"1518\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ChelseySmith_bike.jpg\" alt=\"TEFl abroad\" class=\"wp-image-18330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ChelseySmith_bike.jpg 1139w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ChelseySmith_bike-980x1306.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ChelseySmith_bike-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1139px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Teacher Chelsey Smith explores by bike while teaching English in China.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many ways to practice sustainability in your own life as an online or in-person teacher. Here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.2em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-e1d7696f-abdc-4fe7-8dcd-fdaf866e3f51\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0ab009c6-1009-4636-94d6-f06b86266d9e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Teaching virtually from home means you don&#8217;t have to commute, reducing the greenhouse gases you contribute through transportation.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2184d92a-a027-485c-8c57-df9043759ee9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Those teaching abroad (or online as a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-online-digital-nomad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital nomad<\/a>) can choose to bike or walk when exploring the cities where they work.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-94a5b205-3b5c-4b70-961e-1c4219c9253d\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Many English teachers choose to volunteer through organizations like the Peace Corps. These teachers often end up helping with community projects that can be sustainable, like starting community gardens\/centers or expanding access to clean water. You can learn more about the importance of community impact when working as a volunteer in the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-english-as-a-volunteer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bridge Micro-credential course in Teaching English as a Volunteer<\/a>.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-47a157dc-ca05-487e-bc2b-87ebf8de317d\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Traveling teachers can work to offset their carbon footprint by booking non-stop flights and choosing transportation methods other than flying for closer destinations. There are also rideshare options in many countries.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-439006c1-930a-4b43-91f3-5d6190481b83\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Whether abroad or at home, teachers can prioritize recycling, opt for reusable items, and be mindful of their water and energy consumption.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>You can make a positive difference for the earth by teaching sustainability in the ESL classroom and practicing environmental mindfulness in your own life, which also sets a great example for your students. You can incorporate some of these Earth Day lesson plans into your class to facilitate lively discussions about the environment and inspire change across the globe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Want to give back to communities around the world while sharing your passion for teaching? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/volunteer-teach-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out why you should volunteer to teach English and where you can find opportunities.<\/a> <\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you&#8217;re celebrating Earth Day or want to use your ESL classroom as a vehicle for positive change year-round, these lesson plans for teaching online and in person will get [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":18332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-18320","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pedagogy"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sustainability.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Camille Turner","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/camille-turner\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18320","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18320"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18320\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28726,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18320\/revisions\/28726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18320"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18320"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=18320"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=18320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}