Exploring Europe Through Sharing and Presentation
The Discovering EU Countries activity helps pupils in 1st and 2nd Class explore the diversity of the European Union by discovering and presenting information about different countries. Through group work, discussion and simple presentations, children learn that the EU is made up of many countries, each with its own culture, traditions and identity.
What’s the difference between Activities and Instructions?
Activities are the interactive games or exercises your pupils will complete in class. Instructions are the teacher materials that help you prepare : background notes, printable sheets, or instructions.
Learning objectives
This activity helps children to:
- Recognise that the European Union is made up of many countries
- Learn simple facts about other European countries
- Identify similarities and differences between countries
- Develop confidence in speaking and presenting to others
- Practise listening, turn-taking and asking questions
- Work cooperatively in small groups
- Show curiosity and respect for other cultures
- Build a sense of belonging to a wider European community
Introducing other European countries
The lesson begins by explaining that the European Union includes many different countries.
Children are divided into two groups, with each group focusing on one country.
The teacher introduces the country using picture cards and simple prompts, such as:
- The flag
- The capital city
- The weather
- How to say hello
- Food, landmarks or famous people
This visual approach helps children connect with the country in an engaging way.
Sharing and discussing country facts
Children are encouraged to talk about:
- Whether they have visited the country
- Whether they know someone from there
- What they already know about the country
This discussion builds on children’s prior knowledge and encourages participation and curiosity.
Presenting to the class
Each child receives a card with one piece of information about the country.
Pupils line up and take turns presenting their card to the rest of the class.
This step:
- Allows children to practise speaking clearly in front of others.
- Builds confidence and oral language skills
- Encourages attentive listening
Reflecting on similarities and differences
At the end of the activity, pupils reflect on:
- What they learned about their own country
- What they learned about the other country
- What is similar and what is different
This reflection helps children understand diversity within the EU while recognising shared experiences.
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for 1st and 2nd Class
- Encourages communication, cooperation and confidence
- Uses visual prompts and simple language
- Develops curiosity about other cultures
- Makes European diversity concrete and age-appropriate
- Supports social and emotional learning
