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The Lighter Side: Tenpins

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

“Tenpins” is a bowling-themed activity that requires learners to finish ten words that include the letters “ten."

Better Writing with Big Paper: Peer Correction in Collaborative Learning Teams

In: English Teaching Forum, Volume 60, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The author explains how to use “Big Paper” as the basis of a hands-on, collaborative, student-driven activity that helps learners focus on form, grammar, spelling, and punctuation in a unique and engaging approach to peer review.

Classroom Activities

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

This section presents three stand-alone learning activities related to the theme of knitting. A lesson for upper beginners uses the topic of knitting to teach clothing-related vocabulary. A lesson for intermediate learners uses an essay on knitting circles for a paragraph-ordering activity. An advanced lesson helps students understand idioms related to knitting. The lesson plan includes printable idiom cards.

How to Set Up Oral Homework: A Case of Limited Technology

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This article discusses the benefits and challenges of having students complete oral homework as a way to practice speaking skills. The author explains the technology necessary as well as steps to follow when using this type of homework when designing a course. Also provided is a detailed list of assignments that can be completed orally (as an individual or in a group) and how a teacher can give feedback on this work and keep records.

Lesson Plan: Athletes, Actions, and Adjectives

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4 Format(s): Text

People who are very familiar with American football and those completely unfamiliar with it can benefit from the interactive, communicative activities presented in this lesson plan. Students can analyze examples from the NFL and create their own team names, team logos, and player descriptions. Ideas for teaching adjectives and body parts are also provided. In the spirit of the game, the plan features quick, lively group activities, all under 50 minutes each.

Learning to Hypothesize with Confidence through Sudoku Game Play

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 1 Format(s): Text

According to the author, the game Sudoku offers a useful way to teach students in an EFL environment. Students learn the important words and grammar connected to language functions of confident hypothesizing and making logical conclusions. When students solve the Sudoku puzzles, they are asked to use modal verbs of certainty (e.g., must, can) and colloquial phrases such as "I bet that..." to communicate. The author provides lesson templates.

CAR: A Means for Motivating Students to Read

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

This article addresses the relationship between motivational approaches and second language reading development. It discusses competence, autonomy, and relatedness (CAR) as instructional strategies to teach reading. Competence is established when learners feel they can do the task, autonomy is established when they feel they have the control over it, and relatedness is established when tasks are related to each other. The article suggests ways to use these ideas in the classroom.

Learning to Learn Cooperatively

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 4 Format(s): Text

This article discusses the use of cooperative learning activities in the classroom to strengthen students’ interpersonal communication skills and increase their participation in the language-learning process. It addresses the importance of cultural and individual differences in cooperative learning. The article offers practical suggestions and useful activities to teach learners how to get involved in such activities and to complete the activity successfully.

Channelling Children's Energy Through Vocabulary Activities

In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 2 Format(s): Text

In this article, the author shares vocabulary development activities for young learners. These activities channel students' energy and make learning more effective and fun. The author stresses the importance of giving young learners a good language-learning experience, and the challenges of teaching young learners who are not literate in their L1. The author describes six activities that allow learners to laugh, to move, and to make noise while learning vocabulary.

Using Drama with Children