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1. Teaching the World's Children: ESL for Ages Three to Seven

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses teaching English as a second language to very young learners. The authors talks about how important it is for children to have a wide variety of experiences when building language and literacy. The authors explain how the use of various environments, including learning centers, block centers, art or sand tables, writing areas, science and technology centers, and even libraries, can help shape the way a child learns language as well as improve other skills.

2. 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.

3. Quick Start Guide

   In: Trace Effects Teacher's Manual Format(s): Text

   The Trace Effects Quick Start Guide instructs teachers and players on how to play Trace Effects, the exciting, collaborative English language learning game developed by the Department of State. The guide provides information on logging in, gameplay, and installing the Trace Effects DVD for use in home and lab environments.

4. To Correct or Not Correct? Ideas for Subtle Error Correction During Speaking Tasks

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

   This webinar presents techniques designed to correct students’ grammar without interrupting the free flow of speech or the lesson.

5. Communicative Grammar with Games for the Young Learne

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Video

   This session, "Communicative Grammar with Games for the Young Learner," examines three lively, communicative grammar games that help build grammar competence and speaking confidence in children without them evening knowing it! In addition, we look at developmentally appropriate ways to focus on grammar. These grammar games can be adapted for all ages.

6. Enhancing Learner Motivation in the EFL Classroom

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

   This session, "Enhancing Learner Motivation in the EFL Classroom," addresses how to enhance our own motivation as teachers and then explore ways to enhance the motivation of our students. We will anchor the discussion on Dörnyei’s framework of motivational teaching practices.

7. Lessons from the Other Side of the Teacher’s Desk: Discovering Insights to Help Language Learners

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

   An EFL instructor shares ideas on classroom practice after participating in an intensive language program. The author discusses L1 use in the classroom as well as the importance of pronunciation instruction. The article also includes tips on acquiring vocabulary and reasons why pair and group work are good. Finally, the author considers how to support students who may be experiencing communication anxiety as they learn a new language. The article emphasizes a communicative approach and the importance of a friendly classroom environment.

8. Reconceptualizing Interactional Groups: Grouping Schemes for Maximizing Language Learning

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   While noting the research on the benefits of learner interaction, this article states that more attention needs to be given to strategies for planning successful group work while avoiding the problems that can come with group activities. The author gives guidelines for forming groups, such as how many students to put in each group, whether to use flexible or fixed groupings, and how to divide students (by personal affiliation, oral language ability, personality, L1, and academic interests). Also addressed are guidelines for designing tasks and assigning group roles.

9. Towards Better Group Work: Seeing the Difference between Cooperation and Collaboration

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The author explains the difference between cooperation and collaboration in the classroom. Cooperation is students working together (each with individual tasks) for an end product, while collaboration is students interacting to create knowledge. The author discusses the strengths of collaboration and the teacher’s role. Also provided are guidelines for successful collaboration, sample activities, and frequently asked questions, such as what to do when students have emotional reactions to the group work.

10. Student Storytelling through Sequential Art

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

    If you are interested in using sequential art forms such as comic books in your EFL classroom, this article is full of helpful advice. Reading sequential art is beneficial because students can work with authentic texts with real language and graphic support. Students can also apply research and cultural knowledge to the creation of their own sequential art projects. The author addresses managing project groups, researching the topic, developing the story, structuring the story, adding artwork, and sharing the story. The creations can be used as reading material for future classes.

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