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1. 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.

2. Using Letters to Tell Stories in the EFL Classroom

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

   This article discusses how letter writing can be used as authentic language use. An activity for beginners involves an exchange of letters of introduction between the instructor and students. This serves a socially meaningful interactional purpose. The second activity is the construction of an story, one in which the plot is expressed in a series of letters. The writer suggests using letter exchanges for this creative writing project after using books such as The Color Purple. Letter writing is one way to enable and empower students to tell their own stories.

3. 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.

4. United States Population Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Website

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

5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Educators Page

   Format(s): Website

   Learn about fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats and how you can help conserve, protect, and enhance them.

6. Bianca

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   In this interview, Bianca talks about philanthropy, family traditions, and her passions for Spanish, history, and business.

7. Sol

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   Read about Sol’s many extracurricular activities, including Science Olympiad, a school club that prepares for a science competition.

8. Michael

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   In this interview, Michael talks about playing sports with his friends, fishing, and living in Switzerland.

9. Trevor

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   In this interview, Trevor talks taking a class trip that included going to a museum to learn about the pirate Blackbird.

10. Alex

    In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

    Alex discusses her family’s Thanksgiving celebration and the traditional foods they eat on Thanksgiving Day.

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