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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories

   Format(s): Text

   This collection of short stories by O. Henry gives the reader a wonderful selection of characters from the United States of 100 years ago.

4. Getting the Most Out of the Dictionary

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

   Inspired by questions from language teachers, this discussion of dictionaries (reprinted from 1974) explores their utility in determining pronunciation, meaning, and points of grammar and makes recommendations about the kind of dictionaries teachers should use with their students.

5. The Gift of the Magi

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

   The story of the Gift of the Magi describes a couple who go to great lengths to buy each other a special Christmas present.

6. Lessons from the Other Side of the Teacher’s Desk: Discovering Insights to Help Language Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   An EFL instructor shares ideas on classroom practice after participating in an intensive language program. The author discusses L1 use in the classroom as well as the importance of pronunciation instruction. The article also includes tips on acquiring vocabulary and reasons why pair and group work are good. Finally, the author considers how to support students who may be experiencing communication anxiety as they learn a new language. The article emphasizes a communicative approach and the importance of a friendly classroom environment.

7. Language and Life Sciences: Mapping the Human Genome (Reprinted from Chapter 1 of the FORUM Electronic Journal Language and Life Sciences)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The authors use the study of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the building blocks of all living things) to develop student vocabulary and assist in developing a fundamental understanding of the science behind DNA. The article provides supplemental material including helpful Web sites, student group activities with handouts, vocabulary lessons, and warm-up activities.

8. The Mask of the Red Death

   In: Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller Format(s): MP3, Text

   The text and audio of this story in Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller describe a man named Prospero who isolates himself in one of his palaces to escape the deadly disease Red Death, which has been sweeping the country.

9. The Fall of the House of Usher

   In: Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller Format(s): MP3, Text

   The text and audio of this gothic story in Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller describe a narrator who visits the macabre home of his childhood friend.

10. The Cop and the Anthem

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

    A story is about a homeless man who tries to get into prison in order to get free food and keep warm during the winter. Download the story, classroom activities and answer key.

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