The typewriter was patented on the 23rd June 1868 and became the standard way of printing for over a century. However, the computer has all but reduced the typewriter to the dustbin of history. However, the QWERTY keyboard layout is the remnant left from this invention. Lots of inventions in history are no longer used and this theme might be a fun way to end the school year. It might even be interesting to guess what inventions may become obsolete by the time they finish school. [image from Wikipedia]

On the 22nd June, 1906, the Swedish flag was adopted. Sweden is an interesting country. For example, it is the third largest country in the European Union by area. Sweden is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Øresund. Since the early 19th century Sweden has been at peace and has avoided war, despite their neighbouring countries, Norway and Finland unable to avoid this. Sweden is also the home to a number of international icons – Abba, IKEA and Swedish Meatballs! There’s lots to cover with a theme like Sweden!

A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the North or South Pole. The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, the seasonal movement of the Sun’s path (as seen from Earth) comes to a stop before reversing direction. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In many cultures the solstices mark either the beginning or the midpoint of winter and summer. June 21st is the Northern Hemisphere’s Summer. [Text & Image from Wikipedia]

World Refugee Day, observed on June 20th each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. [Image from the UN web site]

Garfield is a very lazy cat who debuted in a comic strip in 1978. Owned by Jon who also has to contend with a silly puppy called Odie, Garfield is still one of the most popular cartoons today. As a theme, there’s plenty of scope here to cover subtopics such as pets, dogs, cats and even lasagne, Garfield’s favourite food. Almost all Garfield cartoons are family friendly so studying these with children can be a good English lesson and even better if children create their own comic strips based on them. [Image source: http://childrenwallpapers.blogspot.com/]

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday in the United States honoring African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth,[1] and is recognized as a state holiday or state holiday observance in 41 states of the United States. [Text and Image from Wikipedia]

International Picnic Day is celebrated every year on the 18th June, which is fantastic if you don’t live in rainy Ireland! However, as a theme, there are some interesting ways a teacher can use it in class. How about getting children to design a healthy picnic? What about designing and making a nice rug during a Visual Arts class? Of course, on the off-chance that it isn’t raining, why not head outside for a picnic together? [Image source: http://www.sheknows.com.au/]

World Juggler’s Day happens on 17th June so might be inspiration for a lesson or two. The most obvious link would be a PE class but one could easily incorporate the theme into history (the history of juggling, famous jugglers), English (juggling stories), or Science, (gravity). [Image source: http://www.zenartsla.com/news/juggling-joggling/]