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May 23

World Turtle Day

A day established to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises. It encourages human action to help them survive, particularly against the threat of plastic pollution in our oceans.

A sea turtle swimming underwater

Speaking Discussion

  • Why do you think turtles are always the wise characters in old stories and cartoons?
  • Should we just ban plastic straws and bags entirely, even if it makes our lives a bit harder?
  • Some species of tortoises can live for over 150 years. What do you think the world will look like when a tortoise born today reaches the end of its life?
  • What’s one small thing you think we could all do to stop so much rubbish ending up in the ocean?
  • The phrase "slow and steady wins the race" comes from a famous story about a tortoise. Do you think this advice still applies in our fast-paced modern world?

Activity 1: The Great Debate

Motion: "Zoos and large aquariums do more harm than good for endangered species like sea turtles."

Split the class into two sides. Team A must defend the educational and conservation value of aquariums; Team B must argue that animals belong strictly in the wild.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "If I found a plastic bag floating in the sea while I was swimming, I would..."
  • "The most fascinating animal that lives in the ocean is definitely the..."
  • "Living life at a 'turtle's pace' sounds absolutely..."