Advanced Search: Resources

1. Lesson Plan: Greetings from Sunny New Mexico

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The New Mexico lesson plan for this issue is a self-contained 1 1/4 to 2 hour lesson with a complete pre- during- post framework for interacting with the main text - a letter from a friend living in New Mexico. The focus here is on the vocabulary and grammar of description (e.g., words for scenery and weather, relative "that" clauses). Extension activities are provided for multi-session lessons (e.g., written response, class survey).

2. Lesson Plan - Virginia: Jamestown and Its People (Volume 47, Issue 3)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   The lesson plan “Virginia: Jamestown and Its People” consists of two parts using Jamestown, a historical site in Virginia, and several of its famous figures as the source for classroom activities. Part I activities are about the site including a brief history of Jamestown and its artifacts as a basis for writing and speaking activities, while the second part focuses on some famous figures who lived there as a basis for listening and writing activities.

3. U.S. National Parks: Protecting Nature and Providing Enjoyment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This feature article on national parks is appropriate for use with higher intermediate or advanced learners. It offers vivid photos and describes the history of national parks, their creation, management, and expansion. The author discusses features of parks from different regions of the country: Acadia National Park (Maine), Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska), Everglades National Park (Florida), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). Information about the national parks conservation association and the national park foundation is also included.

4. State and County Fairs: Family Fun Across the USA

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This feature article is on state and county fairs, “eagerly awaited celebrations of the nation’s agricultural bounty, love of competition, and community spirit.” The article discusses the history of fairs, where innovations in farm equipment and household appliances are displayed, and people engage in competition, fun, rides, and viewing curiosities. Some characteristics of fairs that are described are animals, education, competition, entertainment, and community involvement. Segments on 4-H and fair food follow the article.

5. United States Population Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Website

   Reference materials, lesson plans, and comprehensive fact sheets provided by the U.S. Census Website.

6. One-Room Schools

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   history, one-room schoolhouse, inclusive, schoolhouse teacher, communities, interview, former students, websites, additional resources

7. Empowering Your Students with Media Literacy

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

   This webinar, "Empowering Your Students with Media Literacy," explores activities that help students ask key questions about the messages found in news and social media.

8. Fast Food World: The Hamburger Comes of Age

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This article presents the history of the hamburger and the debate about who invented it as well as how it has become an icon among foods, spreading to a variety of other countries. The author shares the marketing strategies used by multiple businesses in order to attract customers as well as the franchising and growth that has come from such a simple product.

9. History of the Hamburger

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   “The History of the Hamburger,” an article within “The Hamburger Comes of Age,” discusses the roots of the modern hamburger dating back to the German city of Hamburg. The author relates the hamburger’s move from Germany to Russia to the New World and the debate about the creators and the origins of the modern hamburger, as well as its various styles of preparation.

10. Fast Food and Globalization

    In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

    “Fast Food and Globalization,” an article within “The Hamburger Comes of Age,” shares the story of a group of French people who demolished a McDonald’s restaurant in protest, which drew international media attention. The short article expresses how fast food is representative of the globalization process. The author provides examples of how a multitude of fast food restaurants have attempted to accommodate local tastes.

Pages