Recent events in Europe have proven how regional events are sure to have far-reaching implications at global level and have highlighted the significance of safeguarding human rights. However, the question arises: Are our students, especially those whose rights have never been violated, prepared to understand the intricate details of such a complex topic?
In this article I would like to share some ideas for an extended lesson plan designed to help our students achieve a comprehensive understanding of human rights in Europe, the complexities of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and key information on the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
The educational resources listed below were thoughtfully selected to facilitate an approach to this complex social topic and will hopefully encourage students to reflect on the profound significance of human rights in shaping a more just and equitable world.
Begin your approach with a solid foundation using the resource ‘ECHR Overview’. This resource serves as a dynamic starting point, offering students an accessible introduction to the principles upheld by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Content:
- ECHR meaning
- ECtHR meaning
- Human Rights illustrations
- What the ECHR protects
- What the ECHR prohibits
Included resources:
- Worksheet
- Presentation
- Answer key
Follow up with ‘ECHR – The Convention’, where students engage with a simplified version of the ECHR. This resource builds on the foundational knowledge established in the resource ‘ECHR Overview’, providing an opportunity for hands-on learning with the ECHR articles and protocols.
Content:
- ECHR articles
- ECHR protocols
Included resources:
- Worksheet
- Presentation
- Answer key
Deepen students’ understanding of the legal jargon associated with human rights with the resource ‘ECHR – Extended Vocabulary’. This printable worksheet enhances linguistic competence, ensuring students are equipped with the necessary vocabulary for a comprehensive grasp of ECHR concepts.
Content:
- legal terms and definitions
- colocations
- opposites
Included resources:
- Worksheet
- Presentation
- Answer key
Include an element of fun into your lesson plan with the trivia game ‘Know Your Rights’. This quiz-show style activity, inspired by TV shows like ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’, allows students to test their knowledge and discover new facts about the ECHR.
Content:
- 16 multiple-choice questions on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
Included resources:
- Game (presentation)
- Answer sheet
- Answer cards
- Lifelines
- Teacher prep
Continue the lesson with the ‘ECHR Quiz’, a printable worksheet featuring multiple-choice questions. Ideal for in-class distribution after the game or as a homework assignment, this resource ensures continued reinforcement of ECHR concepts.
Shift the focus to the European Court of Human Rights with the trivia game ‘Case Closed’. Inspired by the success of the ECHR trivia game among my students, this activity was created to add a thrilling layer to learning about the ECtHR.
Content:
- 16 multiple-choice questions on the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)
Included resources:
- Game (presentation)
- Answer sheet
- Answer cards
- Lifelines
- Teacher prep
Conclude your lesson plan with the ‘ECtHR Quiz’. Featuring questions identical to the trivia game, this printable worksheet provides a comprehensive review of the ECtHR concepts introduced in the game.
This bundle includes all the resources mentioned above and was created for teachers who need to explore European Human Rights in depth but in an engaging and accessible way.
Content:
- includes all the resources listed avobe (from 1 to 7)
Included resources:
- Worksheets
- Answer keys
- Games
- Teacher prep
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Media Library
Additional resources online
ECHR (viewable on YouTube)
TITLE | The European Convention on Human Rights - how does it work? (EN)
SOURCE | Council of Europe (YouTube + Website)
