2017 International Essay Contest on "Learning from Nature"


Based in Japan, the Goi Peace Foundation is a public benefit organization supported by members around the world working together to create a culture of peace.  Every year they organize an  annual essay contest in an effort to harness the energy, creativity and initiative of the world's youth in promoting a culture of peace and sustainable development. It also aims to inspire society to learn from the young minds and to think about how each of us can make a difference in the world.

The theme of the contest 2017  is ‘Learning from nature’, so your students will have a great opportunity to take full advantage of everything they have learned in their Natural Science lessons. I would like to encourage you to develop this essay writing skill with your students and ask them to take part in this exciting  essay-writing contest.

There are two categories: a) children (ages up to 14) and b) youth (ages 15-25).  Essays must be 700 words or less and can be written in Spanish, English, German or Japanese. 

If you are interested in helping your students to take part in  this contest, I have developed a simple document which includes some basic tips on essay writing, a list of connectors in English  and a checklist for students that will help them to see if they can improve their essay  before sending it. 

Art competitions for children and teenagers



Look and Learn is a London-based picture library specialising in educational images and a member of BAPLA (the British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies).
Since 2006 they have run monthly online children’s art competitions with the explicit objective of creating the world’s best gallery of children’s art. All entries appear in their online gallery, and children and their sponsors (teachers or parents) get their own personal online galleries. 
There are two main choices for your Art classrooms: 
1) Enter the Art gallery, just  click on any picture to enlarge it, download it or  send an e-card of it to friends and family. 
2) Take part in monthly competitions (entry to the competitions and gallery is free). 
Competitions focus on a different theme each month and  entries are  divided into three age groups (0-7, 8-11 and 12-18). Entry to the competitions and gallery is free so I am sure you will be interested in taking part in the next competitions  with your students. 
From these lines,  I would like to thank  Look and learn for offering children and teenagers this great opportunity to enjoy Art.