From Argentina to Australia, and the US to Japan, thousands of people around the world have taken part in marches calling for peace in Ukraine. The demonstrations took place after Russia invaded the country by sending troops into it. This resources pack includes an article from The Week Junior magazine, along with a sheet of activities designed to get children thinking, talking and writing about what the story means to them.
Debate
Every now and then, something happens that can seem rather scary, such as a contagious disease or a conflict in a country not too far away. It is important for news outlets to cover these stories, but should we shield children from hearing about them? Are there things that are too hard for young people to understand in a way they can cope with? Is it necessary for them to hear about worrying events that they really cannot do anything about? Or is it more important to be totally open and honest with children about everything? What do you think?
Writing challenges
Sometimes it is helpful to think about the better things in our lives. Write an advertisement for an interplanetary travel magazine to promote the best aspects of humankind and convince alien tourists to visit and become friends with us.
OR
Ask your teacher, parents or carers to find a photograph of the Ukraine countryside or perhaps one of its beautiful buildings, such as St Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv. Write a detailed description of the scene using figurative language such as metaphors, similes and personification
Investigate
Write a fact file about Ukraine. Include details about where it is, its main physical and human geographical features as well as some basic information about its history without going into the current conflict.
Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download here.
What is The Week Junior?
The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to https://schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.