Advanced Search: Resources

1. Strategies for Engaging Young Learners

   Format(s): Text

   The difficulty in teaching young learners (YLs) in the EFL classroom is maintaining engagement throughout the lesson. Therefore, teachers of YLs need to incorporate activities that are meaningful, engaging, and also entertaining. This webinar will share practical tips and ideas for engaging young learners in the EFL classroom, including using fun songs with humor, using actions to accompany poetry and song lyrics, and promoting creativity. We will also focus on techniques for making input comprehensible, such as using gestures, visuals, and realia as learning tools. When using a variety of techniques and activities, children forget they are in a step-by-step language lesson, and the learning comes naturally.

2. Integrated Skills: Combining Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Grammar

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

   This session, "Integrated Skills: Combining Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Grammar," addresses an integrated approach to teaching speaking, reading, listening, writing, and grammar skills. First, we will identify some challenges associated with combining language skill areas, and we will discuss options for overcoming these challenges. Next, we will explore how to develop and implement a variety of multi-skill instructional options including meaningful grammar activities, dynamic reading relays and jigsaws, interactive writing games, engaging speaking activities, and high-interest listening tasks. By the end of the session, participants will have developed a toolkit for conducting more interactive, learner-centered lessons that motivate students and hold their interest—teachers will be ready to adapt and use these innovative ideas immediately!

3. Total Physical Response (TPR) and Miming with "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe"

   In: Teacher's Corner: Listening Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This meaning-focused listening activity uses the song “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” from Sing Out Loud-Children’s Songs.

4. Winter Scenes

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

   ʺWinter Scenesʺ is a series of photos with captions. The pictures can be used as writing or discussion prompts.

5. Opening Many Locks with a Master Key: Six EFL Games Played with a Set of Cards

   In: English Teaching Forum 2019, Volume 57, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Kürşat Cesur describes six games for beginning English students that you can play with a single set of cards (a sample set is provided). This article is available online only.

6. Classroom Activities

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

   This piece offers three activities that give students practice with vocabulary, grouping of similar terms, the use of future and present tenses, and identifying grammatical categories such as adjectives, verbs, and nouns.

7. Words and Their Stories

   Format(s): Website

   Etymology and stories related to specific words in American English, produced by Voice of America.

8. Smithsonian Student Science and Nature Page

   Format(s): Website

   September 22nd is World Rhino Day. Visit the Smithsonian Student Science and Nature page to learn more about animals and nature.

9. The White House 101 for Kids

   Format(s): Website

   Presidents, facts, and pets are some of the features on this website.

10. Smithsonian IdeaLabs

    Format(s): Video, Website

    Visit the Smithsonian IdeaLabs to view online student tutorials that bring the museums to life, featuring American history, science, and culture.

Pages