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1. Building Fluency through the Repeated Reading Method

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the success of Repeated Reading (RR) within EFL classrooms, illustrating three techniques of RR that can be used to develop students’ fluency, comprehension skills, and reading self-esteem. After providing a background on the RR method, the author explains the techniques step by step and suggests activities. The techniques include classic oral repeated reading (ORR), Paired repeated reading (PRR), and Reader’s Theater (RT).

2. 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.

3. The Texas Airport Cookies: Pragmatic Variation from an Urban Legend

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This aims to enhance awareness of pragmatic variation with respect to setting and participant characteristics in an airport scenario.

4. Techniques for Students New to the Language Lab

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article presents techniques that can be used in the university language lab to improve listening and speaking skills. The article describes several tasks for pairs and groups. Lessons begin with a popular English song and a warm up activity. Materials expose students to the formal and informal language of native speakers and fluent non-native speakers. Drills, stories, songs, and conversations make the language lab a beneficial resource. An initial session highlights the unique aspects of spoken language.

5. The Conversation Class

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

   This article discusses conversation classes, drawing from the author’s experience teaching Persian ESL. The author offers eight guidelines for effective teaching: cultivate a relaxed atmosphere (with six suggestions for doing this), be alert and foster alertness, be enthusiastic and engender enthusiasm, be patient, be sensitive, think, listen, and make corrections. The article finishes with a number of suggested topics and activities for promoting conversation.

6. Using L1 in the L2 Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   There may be more to the use of L1 in the L2 classroom than previously thought. Recent findings show that L1 usage values the native culture and language of the students, allowing them to feel comfortable taking risks in English. The author distributed a questionnaire on Spanish usage to English language students and professors at a Puerto Rican university. Results showed that both students and teachers felt there were clear instances where Spanish would help understanding. The author also shares his own personal experiences as a Spanish-speaking English teacher.

7. Harmonious Learning: Yoga in the English Language Classroom

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

   The author discusses the connection between yoga and language learning. Body position as well as visualization and guided imagery can introduce language in an enjoyable way. The lessons are modeled after a Total Physical Response (TPR) approach. The benefits of yoga in the classroom include reducing anxiety, helping students focus through silence, and embedding language in tasks. The author answers frequently asked questions and provides sample activities and suggested resources.

8. The Happy Song

   In: Sing Out Loud Children's Songs Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   Does listening to music make you happy? The Happy Song is a traditional children’s song that encourages movement and rhythm. Download the song, lyrics, and poster.

9. Shaping the Way We Teach English: From Observation to Action

   Format(s): Text

   Shaping the Way We Teach English: From Observation to Action is a series of video-based training materials for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educators.

10. The Alphabet Song

    In: Sing Out Loud Children's Songs Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

    The Alphabet Song teaches the English language alphabet. Poster included.

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