The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action for people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnerships. Therefore, using the 17 UN SDGs as a framework to build robust programs in world language classes, enhance the value and purpose of clubs, and add world connections in enrichment or extra curricular programs and activities, is a no-brainer.
If you are not familiar with the SDGs, visit this page to learn more about them.
Why a book club?
Starting a book club using the UN SDGs makes sense and is perfect for growing students from reading to reading to take action, all while learning about the Sustainable Development Goals.
The good news is that there are plenty of books related to the SDGs in the six official UN languages as well as in other languages, so the SDGs book club is perfect for all language educators.
How to get started?
The first step is to choose books for your class, club, or program. Then plan tasks for students.
As a result, the UN suggests using books from its list of books for the goal of the month. (click on each goal and then scroll down the page to find the list of books)
For example,
- Goal 3 Good Health and Wellbeing
- Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
In addition, there are books in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish to learn about the books for the goal of the month.
SDGs Book Club Chapters Around the World have lots more books to choose from. Check them out!
- African Chapter
- Brazil Chapter
- Germany Chapter
- Indonesia Chapter
- Netherlands Chapter
- Norway Chapter
- Portugal Chapter
- Republic of Korea Chapter
- Mexico Chapter: The Activity Guide has lots of ready to use ideas for your classes!
If you want, we can have a virtual one-on-one to discuss ways to get started. If you’d like, please email us at connect@languageteachinglab.com to arrange a convenient time. In the meantime, we look forward to helping you.
Our Passion
Additionally, Language Teaching Lab has published several articles related to the SDGs.
- Unlocking Fluency: Exploring SDG 16 Through Children’s Literature
- Inventos a la basura, qué locura (Plan)
- Arboles (Plan)
- Why Is It Important to Make Interdisciplinary Connections?
- What do you do when you learn something new?
Start incorporating the SDGs in your world language classes, language clubs, or enrichment programs using books related to the 17 UN SDGs. You will not regret it! and your students will be thankful you introduced them to the SDGs.