Site Search | American English

Trace Effects Manual - Chapter 4

In: Trace Effects Teacher's Manual Format(s): Text

The Trace Effects Teacher's Manual provides teachers a resource to learn how to teach English using Trace Effects, the exciting, collaborative English language learning game developed by the Department of State.

An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Maps and Legends" by Michael Chabon

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

This lesson plan is based on the article “Maps and Legends” by novelist Michael Chabon and is for high intermediate to advance students. The lesson includes group and pair work. Students discuss the neighborhood where they grew up. They read the text and identify unfamiliar words, then answer comprehension questions in writing or discussion groups. Post-reading activities include scanning, inferring meaning from context, dictionary practice, and discussion questions. The lesson ends with questions to make connections beyond the text and project ideas.

An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "A Postcard from America" by Robert Olen Butler

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

This lesson plan is based on the feature article, “Postcards from America” by Robert Olen Butler. It is appropriate for high intermediate to advanced students. The lesson integrates the four skills and has five parts: Preparing to Read, Reading the Text, Understanding the Text, Making Connections Beyond the Text, and Integrating Language Skills. The lesson includes group discussion of comprehension questions, scanning for vocabulary, and using the dictionary.

Trace Effects Teacher Manual Introduction

In: Trace Effects Teacher's Manual Format(s): Text

The Trace Effects Teacher's Manual Introduction provides teachers a resource on the methodology and pedagogy of using games for learning, including how to use Trace Effects for classroom learning.

An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "For Life's Sake" by Linda Hogan

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

This lesson plan is for use with “For Life’s Sake.” After introducing the topic of Native Americans in class discussion, students read the article and identify unfamiliar vocabulary. Students may then read again and discuss comprehension questions. Post-reading activities build vocabulary, including idioms, and utilize dictionary and scanning skills. Questions to make connections beyond the text may be used for discussion or writing assignments. There are other projects that integrate language skills, such as writing a poem, considering family customs, and doing Internet research.

An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Just Off Main Street" by Elmaz Abinader

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

This lesson plan is designed for high intermediate to advanced English language learners. Based on an authentic, contemporary essay by an accomplished American writer, the lesson plan includes tasks and activities designed to improve students’ English language skills as well as increase their understanding of American culture. The lesson includes pre-, during, and post reading activities to improve comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and make connections beyond the text. Websites of interest and useful questions for discussion or writing are included.

Using Songs to Teach English

Format(s): MP3, Video

This webinar, “Using Songs to Teach English” explores the myriad of ways songs and music can help create a classroom that is happy, interactive, and intellectually challenging. The presenter will introduce some effective techniques for incorporating music and song in the EFL and ESL classroom.

The First Americans: A Brief History The National Museum of the American Indian Preserving Native Languages and Cultures References, Glossary, and Websites of Interest

In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

This article introduces the history of Native Americans, including accomplishments in building, in social organization, and in art. The article discusses religion and cultural beliefs and the devastating effects that the arrival of Europeans had on Native Americans. The article includes sections on current developments as well, such as the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian and efforts to preserve native cultures and languages. The final section addresses the past practice of forcing children to leave their community to go to boarding schools.

VOA Podcast: Music Would Not Be The Same Without the Guitar

In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3, Text

From Voice of America Podcasts in Special English. Learn how guitar just may be the most popular instrument in the world! Download the MP3 or listen online.

VOA Podcast: Making of a Nation: The Heart of the Constitution