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1. Classroom Activities

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This section presents three stand-alone learning activities related to the theme of bowling. A game for upper beginners is useful for sentence formation and vocabulary review on any topic. Intermediate learners can practice with imperatives by giving and following instructions on how to bowl. The final activity asks intermediate learners to engage in focused listening or reading. Extension possibilities are included for each of the three activities.

2. Localvore

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text

   In the folk song Localvore, Zach Ladin sings about supporting local foods, businesses, and communities. Download the MP3 or listen online.

3. Simple Down

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   In Simple Down, California-based artist Lael Neale uses guitars and the banjo to sing about living a simpler life.

4. Not Afraid

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   In this song, pop gospel group Turning Pointe wants people everywhere to know that each of us has the strength to fight for our dreams and continue on our journey through life.

5. Activate: Games for Learning American English

   Format(s): Text

   Are you looking for fun, meaningful activities to use in your classroom? Check out these board games! Game themes require students to produce certain types of expressions, so they practice a variety of vocabulary, grammatical patterns, and functional meanings.

6. Classroom Activities

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This section presents two stand-alone language-learning activities with an autumn theme. 1. “How Are You, Jack-o-lantern?” is designed for students at the Upper Beginner level and can be used to build vocabulary related to emotions and encourage conversations based on them. 2.”The Incredible Shrinking Dialogue,” for students at the Upper Intermediate level and above, teaches students to analyze a text to find the most important ideas and gives students practice in paraphrasing, speaking, and performing.

7. Student-Produced Video: Two Approaches

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article introduces the idea of using video production to engage second language learners in learner-centered, project-based learning activities to motivate them to learn and participate through writing, directing, acting in, and editing a movie. The authors describe two projects. In the first project, four pairs of students each created a three-minute film. In the second project, all eight students worked together to create one long movie. The advantages and disadvantages of both approaches were discussed.

8. Developing Dynamic Units for EFL

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   “Developing Dynamic Units for EFL” describes how to develop a thematic unit that integrates skills in context, provides opportunities for learner autonomy, and is project-based and experiential. Planning includes identifying curriculum standards, thinking of a meaningful topic, brainstorming tasks, organizing the activities, and making use of learner choice. The sample unit “Eating Out with Friends” includes the topics of inviting friends; choosing a restaurant and making a reservation; finding and communicating directions; ordering and requesting the bill; and thanking friends and retelling the story.

9. Lesson Plan: A Letter from Miami: A Telenovela

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan contains four activities that can prepare students for the final activity of creating a video or a play. There are also two optional activities to help students learn grammar, and a fact sheet about Miami.

10. Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen

    In: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Format(s): Text

    How strong is tradition? For nine years, an old gentleman and a homeless man have met every Thanksgiving Day to share a meal. One year, the day ends in a very different way. Read to find out what happens!

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