The first issue of the annual All-Russian journal 'English at School'  featured an article titled “World Osteoporosis Day in English Lessons” by Yaroslavl English teachers Margarita Zakharova (School No. 3) and Irina Peneva (School No. 4).

Since 2011, the All-Russian patient organization OsteoRus and the Russian Osteoporosis Association (RAOP) have been leading bone disease prevention initiatives across Russia under the auspices of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

OsteoRus is among the first patient societies worldwide to focus on educating children and youth about osteoporosis prevention, recognizing that healthy bones are built early in life through proper lifestyle and nutrition. Schools and even some kindergartens in Yaroslavl and other regions of Russia have actively joined this initiative, making educational lessons a cornerstone of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) celebrations in Russia. WOD, established by the IOF, is observed annually on October 20.

Yaraslavl teachers Margarita Zakharova and Irina Peneva work with students in both a specialized English-language school and a regular secondary school. They aim to make learning diverse and engaging, integrating osteoporosis awareness into their curriculum through interactive activities. Many colleagues at School No. 4 and other institutions, including Olga Zabelina, Polina Maksimova, Tatyana Gaiduchenko, Elena Reutova, Tatyana Butuzova, Anna Smirnova, Taisiya Ponomareva, Marina Ermolaeva, and Marina Nechaeva, have embraced this approach.

Sharing their extensive experience, the teachers published their methodological developments in 'English at School'. Students enjoy these lessons because they reinforce foreign language skills, broaden their horizons, and teach the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Activities during the lessons include solving themed crossword puzzles, creating bookmarks and posters, and performing exercises.

A particularly memorable experience for the students was interacting with European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. They wrote her a letter and received a reply, with recommendations for staying active in space. The astronaut, fluent in 10 languages including Russian, inspired the students to excel in their foreign language studies. We are grateful to the IOF for facilitating the connection with Samantha while she was in orbit — it was a marvelous and unique experience for the kids. 

In developing their methodology, the teachers drew on valuable resources and guidance from the IOF and OsteoRus. These recommendations extend beyond osteoporosis education — they enrich the overall learning experience and support early health-promoting habits. RAOP and OsteoRus continue to engage young people across Russian cities, promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness of osteoporosis prevention.

Teachers are invited to use these ready-made lesson plans, adapt them with their own content and approaches, and incorporate them into their teaching — not just on World Osteoporosis Day, but every day — to foster the health and future of the nation.

Contributed by Victoria Sotskova and Galina Evstifeeva

Pages from the journal with examples of the children's lesson plans and activities: