In this video from Vox they discuss what has made the Japanese Sanrio character Gudetama so popular, They talk about how and why Japanese Kawaii culture developed and how the Japanese notion of cuteness isn’t as simple as the ideas of good and evil in American culture.
Students will discuss characters, cuteness and the stress of modern life.
In this lesson based on a video from NPR Skunkbear they talk about why we still get goosebumps although they have no purpose. Students will talk about fears and react to quotes from famous people on the subject of fear.
Why Do We Get Goosebumps – Transcript WORD
In this video, from NPR advice is given on how to best use smart phones with children. However, the advice is good for people of any age. In the lesson plan students will discuss differences in life over the past five years, how they use time and their relationships with screens. Enjoy!
This is documentary by Yoko Okumura about her mother, Yuko. Yuko is obsessed by strawberries. she loves them and loving strawberries can save the world. The passion for strawberries is real and you can feel it when Yuko talks about her favorite fruit. Students will of course discuss fruit but also passions and what makes them happy.
Strawberries Will Save the World – Word File
Strawberries Will Save the World – PDF File
Strawberries Will Save the World – Transcript – Word File
Strawberries Will Save the World – Transcript – PDF File
This video by E.J. McLeavey-Fisher is about an Instagramer who takes pictures of dogs in New York. In the film the Instagramer explains how he gets nice pictures of dogs and why he enjoys doing it. Students will discuss pets, Instagram and what they would do if they suddenly had a lot of free time.
Dog image by A_Peach on Flickr
In this video from Al Jazeera English they show and talk about the national sport of Niger – wrestling. Students will discuss sport, practice and preparation. This is an easy class, suitable for lower level students.
Niger Wrestlers Face Off in Championship Event
Photo by Joris-Jan van den Boom on Flickr
In this lesson students will watch and discuss a video from the BBC about animal conservation and protection efforts with Rhinos in Africa.
In this short film from the BBC a woman living in Siberia discusses why she likes her traditional way of life and what she feels she should do to be a ‘good girl’. This is a one page short lesson that is suitable for lower level students. There is no transcript because subtitles are on the video.
Picture ‘Reindeer’ from Dab Derrett on Flickr
In this lesson, from a report by CNN, students will watch a report on a unique business that helps people relieve stress. Students will discuss the business, video and things related to stress and relaxation.
Breaking stuff to relieve stress – Worksheet and Transcript
