Using the UN SDGs Book Lists in WL Classes, Clubs, and Enrichment Programs 

Posted on by Vicky Masson
book club

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!

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. 

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.

Novel Professional Development Initiatives (PDI) for World Language Educators

Posted on by Vicky Masson

Language Teaching Lab’s Professional Development Initiatives (PDI) is a key component of the what, how, and why of language teaching and learning. Teacher Talks and the LTL Book Club fill a gap in the PDIs already offered by other world language organizations.

The Teacher Talks is a space and time to discuss specific topics related to the what, how, and why of language teaching and learning.

The LTL Book Club is an opportunity to converse with other world language educators about the book chosen for the month, on topics and themes relevant to world language educators.

Both PDIs are based on reading (books or other sources related to world language learning), talking to like-minded and diverse groups of educators, listening to the different voices in the Language Teaching Lab community, and self-reflecting on your teaching and learning. 

Ideally, educators should read the materials before the discussions, but we know that sometimes, there is no time to do it. With that being said, attending these PDIs, i.e. listening to other educators explore rich ideas from the books and how they transfer in the classroom setting, might help us move forward in our personal and professional lives. So, I encourage you to attend, even if you have no time to finish reading the materials!

The topics and themes of the books are universal and geared toward finding answers, asking questions, and gaining new insights into language teaching and learning. But that is not all! As part of the PDI community, you may connect with educators who teach the same language, or level or share your philosophy. You may also end up connecting your classes as pen pal friends, for video exchanges, and much more. 

We know that learning languages opens doors to global opportunities and enriches lives. LTL PDIs is all about empowering teachers to cultivate critical thinkers, life-long learners, and global citizens in every classroom. Language Teaching Lab PDIs connect world language educators to learn together and help us grow professionally and personally.