A class 8 in Finland wanted to follow the Ukrainian Crisis, so I started collecting materials for our classes. You can find more materials in Daily News
Background
Ukraine’s history and its centuries-long road to independence – PBS NewsHour Classroomhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/03/ukraines-history-and-its-centuries-long-road-to-independence/Learn about Ukraine’s history and long relationship with Russia
War in Ukraine: What’s happening there? – CBBC Newsround (1:30)https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60554258Ukraine and Russia have a long and complicated relationship. Find out more about the war in Ukraine here. (A2.1)
The Russia-Ukraine Crisis – 5 Minute History Lesson – YouTube (5:50)https://youtu.be/LeHbq7jljJUThe Russia-Ukraine crisis explained in 5 minutes. If you want to know what is going on with Russia and Ukraine there is actually a long history (A2.1)
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained | Nightly News: Kids Edition – YouTube (4 min)https://youtu.be/SHeKHl7vaEs?t=92 Ukraine explained: Where is this country and why is this nation in the news. (A2.1)
Russia attacks Ukraine – level 1 – News in Levelshttps://www.newsinlevels.com/products/russia-attacks-ukraine-level-1/28-02-2022 07:00 On Thursday, Russian soldiers attack Ukraine. World leaders don’t agree with the attack. They say that a war can start in Europe. – Three Levels
The history of the Ukraine-Russia crisis explained | TED-Ed (9:25)https://ed.ted.com/best_of_web/0fbpxdXJ Explore a brief history of Russian control and the ongoing fight for Ukrainian independence. Palki Sharma Upadhyay of WION explains why Putin wants Ukraine.
A historical timeline of post-independence Ukraine | PBS NewsHourhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/a-historical-timeline-of-post-independence-ukraineUkraine has been dogged by corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and Russian interference since it achieved independence in 1991.
What is the “near abroad”? – YouTube (1:44)https://youtu.be/BejuRY6JAScProfessor Robert Legvold, Columbia University, answering the question, “What is the ‘near abroad’?”
The Beginning
Russia Sanctions – Classroom – BTN (4:43)https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/russia-sanctions/13769058We find out what sanctions are and why some are hoping they’ll help to avoid serious conflict in Ukraine. (A.2.)
Explained: Russia and Ukraine’s turbulent history that ended in invasion – YouTube (4:39)https://youtu.be/HLWhZ2tyvecThe world watched on in horror on as the first Russian bombs obliterated buildings in major Ukrainian cities.
Putin orders Russian troops into Ukraine’s separatist regions as the West levies sanctions – YouTube (6:16)https://youtu.be/umVE0zxPU6gRussian President Vladimir Putin recognized as independent two separatist regions of Ukraine Monday, and hours later ordered Russian troops to conduct what the Kremlin called a “peacekeeping operation” in those regions.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Explained Part 1 | Ukraine Russia War Explained Part 1 – YouTube (5:22)https://youtu.be/NFbkE2unXXwIn this video we look at the main events from February 24th and 25th that started the Ukraine Russia War.
Vocabulary
How to pronounce and spell ‘Kyiv’, and why it matters | Ukraine | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/how-to-pronounce-and-spell-kyiv-kiev-ukraine-and-why-it-mattersWith Ukraine’s capital under siege from Russian forces it’s only fair that we outsiders get our language right
Russia’s Ban from SWIFT: What it Means – YouTube (8:06)https://youtu.be/yrvlZkfx7TYWhat will happen now that Russia is banned from SWIFT? What does it all mean? What is SWIFT? I explain!
Lesson Plans
New Former Soviet republic of Moldova fears it could be Russia’s next target — and other news for April 8, 2022 – PBS NewsHour Classroomhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/04/and-other-news-for-april-8-2022/Choose which story is right for your class and discuss using fact-based and open-ended questions
Soldiers shoot at a nuclear power plant – level 1 – News in Levelshttps://www.newsinlevels.com/products/soldiers-shoot-at-a-nuclear-power-plant-level-1/07-03-2022 07:00 Russia attacks Ukraine more than one week ago. On Friday, Russian soldiers get to a nuclear power plant. It is in eastern Ukraine. – Three Levels
Ukraine Crisis – ESL Lesson Plan – Breaking News English Lessonhttps://breakingnewsenglish.com/2202/220224-ukraine-crisis-1.htmlEnglish News Lessons: Free 27-Page lesson plan / 2-page mini-lesson – Ukraine Crisis – Handouts, online activities, speed reading, dictation, mp3… current events.
Choices Program | The Ukraine Crisis – Choices Programhttps://www.choices.edu/teaching-news-lesson/the-ukraine-crisis/In this lesson, students explore the current situation in Ukraine and its historical origins; analyze political cartoons; identify the techniques used by cartoonists to express political opinion; and monitor the crisis and consider international responses.
NYTimes Lessonhttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/learning/lesson-plans/lesson-of-the-day-can-the-west-stop-russia-from-invading-ukraine.htmlIn this lesson, students will learn about the unfolding conflict between Russia and Ukraine and consider what is at stake for the rest of the world.
Russia & Ukraine Conflict (2/27/22) – Google Presentationerhttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cZzlwlGexdedZVlyrNFOY0vKzPE-jg4J_A7RhQzpcmY/edit#slide=id.gd1f62faa7d_0_44The Russia-Ukraine Conflict History, current events, responses, potential outcomes, and viral stories…
Lesson Plan: Updates on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with key historical context between the two nations – PBS NewsHour Classroomhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/03/fighting-in-ukraine-intensifies-as-russias-invasion-continues/This lesson consists of the latest developments in Ukraine, a timeline of events, biographies of key players and a contextual video as to why Russia invaded Ukraine
March 4, 2022: Choose from these 7 stories — including an in-depth profile of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky – PBS NewsHour Classroomhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/03/march-4-2022-choose-from-these-7-news-stories-including-volodymyr-zelenskys-improbable-rise-from-comedian-to-wartime-leader-of-a-defiant-nation/*Latest updates on Ukraine *Ex-officer acquitted for wanton endangerment in raid that killed Breonna Taylor
Leoxicon: What I saw in the warhttps://leoxicon.blogspot.com/2022/03/what-i-saw-in-war-ted-talk.html A lesson based on Janine di Giovanni’s TED talk. I came across this talk while looking for some materials on the topic of war and conflict – in view of the current events. TED talk (11:37)
Listening
One Week Into Russia’s Invasion, War Rages in Ukraine (2:31)https://www.voanews.com/a/one-week-into-russia-s-invasion-war-rages-in-ukraine/6468006.htmlThousands of civilians have been killed or wounded since the invasion began, Ukrainian authorities say
Reading
Russia’s War on Ukraine – News For Kidshttps://newsforkids.net/russias-war-on-ukraine/Note: This page tracks recent news and events related to the Russian war on Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine is very serious. (A.2.)
Home – CBBC Newsroundhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround#more-stories-2The home of news and fun facts for kids. Find out what is going on, with stories, pictures and videos. Try a quiz or one of our free games.
.@ZelenskyyUa’s tv address to the #RussiaUkraineConflict – YouTube (9:04)https://youtu.be/bHWt63VGwwA.@ZelenskyyUa’s tv address to the Russian (!) people might be the most moving speech that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. The whole world needs to see, understand and share this crucial Ukrainian message. – English subtitles.
Russia’s war in Ukraine, explained – Voxhttps://www.vox.com/2022/2/23/22948534/russia-ukraine-war-putin-explosions-invasion-explainedPutin’s invasion in February began Europe’s first major war in decades. Vox continues following the development. See the latest news here.
Visual Explainer: Russian Disinformation – YouTube (3:20)https://youtu.be/Rf-YEv8uRvIBefore Russia invaded Ukraine, the groundwork had already begun — online. Russian disinformation is a key part of what many are calling a hybrid war.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: List of key events from day eighthttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/3/russia-invasion-of-ukraine-list-of-key-events-from-day-eightAs the Russia-Ukraine war enters its eighth day, we take a look at the major developments.
UN Council Establishes Commission of Inquiry on Russian Invasion of Ukrainehttps://www.voanews.com/a/un-council-establishes-commission-of-inquiry-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/6470489.htmlThe Rights Council resolution was adopted by a vote of 32 in favor, 13 abstentions, with only Russia and Eritrea voting against the proposal.
How the war in Ukraine could change history – Voxhttps://www.vox.com/2022/3/5/22955197/russia-ukraine-war-europe-america-world-war-3A political scientist on why the fate of the global political order hangs in the balance. (B1)
The Economist explains | The Economisthttps://www.economist.com/the-economist-explainsThe Economist explains from The Economist. You’ve seen the news, now discover the story.
Viewing
New! Ukraine War: What will it mean if Finland and Sweden join NATO? – YouTube (3:53)https://youtu.be/4b-WaK4FIWkDefence and Security analyst Michael Clarke takes a closer look at why Finland and Sweden feel the need to firm up their security.
This Ninth-Grader Made A Video Diary In Mariupol – YouTubehttps://youtu.be/-BznE6jZbHQAlona Zahreba made a video diary of life in the besieged Ukrainian port, showing how they gathered snow when water was cut off and smoke rising from nearby e…
A Look at President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Before the Politics (VIDEO) (5:21)https://www.newsy.com/stories/a-look-at-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-before-the-politics/Zelenskyy played president as a character on a TV show before ousting Petro Poroshenko and actually becoming Ukraine’s president in 2019.
Putin’s war on Ukraine, explained – YouTube (8:48)https://youtu.be/MVu8QbxafJETo understand the current conflict’s history in less than 10 minutes, watch the video. – If you don’t do anything else, show this!
BBC One-Minute World Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/av/10462520Watch the latest news summary from BBC World News. International news updated 24 hours a day.
War in Ukraine: Sky’s Alex Crawford’s interview with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in full – YouTube (7:01)https://youtu.be/xVwU-YMgHvoUkraine’s President Volodomyr Zelenskyy says millions of people could die if the world does not stop the bombing of his country.
Ukraine War: The Refugee Crisis | Between Us – YouTube (2:23)https://youtu.be/rdlSH9OKIfcAs Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis is only worsening. Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi shares stories of Ukrainian refugees.
More Materials
Dealing with the world’s worries | KidsNewshttps://www.kidsnews.com.au/humanities/its-normal-to-worry-about-all-the-bad-news-in-the-world-right-now/news-story/ac87b0d1f6838b84b13cdfda2a3d092cAustralian Childhood Foundation head Joe Tucci shares advice on coping with bad news
CC
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License