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1. The Role of Humor and Language Play in the English Language Classroom

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   In this webinar, we discuss theories and practical strategies regarding the use of humor and language play in the English language classroom.

2. To the Moon! — A Launch Pad for Encouraging Students to Express Their Opinions

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

   Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task. This article outlines an activity that involves developing, communicating, and exploring opinions. Students work individually to select volunteers to go to the moon. Groups then try to agree on the selection, discussing their reasons and assumptions. A number of letter-writing assignments incorporate material from the discussions. This student-centered activity can improve confidence, critical thinking skills, and writing fluency, while students learn from and challenge each other.

3. The Wanderer of the North

   In: To Build a Fire and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   In this story from To Build a Fire and Other Stories, a mysterious stranger tells a few mushers about how he followed his wife's kidnapper from his home in the Aleutian Islands to Tokyo Bay and finally to the Yukon Territory in Canada.

4. The Count and the Wedding Guest

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

   This story is about a woman who cannot forget her dead fiancé. However, a man who lives in the same house wants to help her change her disposition. Now with Classroom Activities and Answer Key!

5. The Murders in the Rue Morgue

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

   The text and audio of this murder/detective story in Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller are about a man named C. Auguste Dupin, who brillantly solves the murder of Madame L'Espanaye and Mademoiselle Camille.

6. The Lighter Side: Rock the Boat

   In: English Teaching Forum 2013, Volume 51, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This puzzle requires unscrambling the names of various boats and using designated letters to solve a riddle.

7. The Teaching Toolbox: Reconciling Theory, Practice, and Language in a Teacher Training Course

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

   Noting the challenge teachers in English as a Medium of Instruction contexts face in balancing content and language instruction, the author explains a teaching toolbox technique and outlines toolbox activities that include jigsaw reading, word bank, jigsaw vocabulary, and graphic organizers.

8. Requesting the Main Point in the Classroom

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This lesson in Teaching Pragmatics aims to help students learn how to request the main point.

9. Introduction to Teaching Pragmatics (Reprinted from the online book Teaching Pragmatics, published by the Office of English Language Programs)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Second and foreign language learners use English differently than native speakers do, especially in regard to greetings, closings, and managing conversations. Pragmatics does not receive the attention it should even though mistakes can be interpreted on a social and personal level. This article introduces a rationale for teaching pragmatics and discusses the goals. Teaching materials should include authentic language, and input should precede interpretation or production. Instructors may decide to use the L1 for raising awareness since these types of lessons are useful even for beginners.

10. The Lighter Side: The Write Stuff

    In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

    Do you like puzzles and words? Then check out this English Teaching Forum crossword puzzle.

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