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1. VOA Podcast: Words and Their Stories: Colorful Expressions

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

   From Voice of America Podcasts in Special English. Take a look at expressions that Americans use that include colors . Download the MP3 or listen online.

2. America

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

   What is a road trip? Why are road trips popular in the United States? Find out more with this set of activities based on music by the award winning ukulele player Victoria Vox.

3. Process Writing and the Internet: Blogs and Ning Networks in the Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article presents a student-centered technique for teaching writing to ESL and EFL students who are familiar with Internet-based technology. There are two classroom lessons which use blogs (an Internet-based diary tool accessible by many) and Ning networks (an Internet-based network created for small groups for a small fee). A process-writing concept focuses on students’ social relationships and interests. Step-by-step directions are included for teachers and students who may be less familiar with these two technologies.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The Making of a City

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

   This article about urban planning is appropriate for advanced learners. The content discusses city planners, planned cities (e.g. Chicago), zoning laws, and high-rise residential districts. There are many images, a glossary, and a list of related websites. There are two short sections. One is about Columbia, Maryland, the subject of another article in this issue (“Maps and Legends”). Columbia was a completely planned, experimental community. The second section is about rebuilding Cabrini Green, a Chicago neighborhood well known for its poverty and crime.

7. A Lot of Days Are Gone

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

   The song "A Lot of Days Are Gone" from the American Rhythms album blends country music and rhythm & blues to express a typical country music theme. Download or listen online.

8. Further Down

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

   In the indie folk song "Further Down," singer Kris Gruen combines catchy lyrics with the soft sound of the acoustic guitar. Download the MP3 or listen online.

9. El Paso

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

   In the song El Paso, folk/indie singer, songwriter and internet sensation Danielle “Ate the Sandwich” Anderson thinks back on the experiences she had in El Paso. Listen online or download the MP3.

10. 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.

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