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1. Why English? Comics for the Classroom

   Format(s): Text

   This resource can be used by teachers and learners. It includes notes for teachers and activities to use in the classroom at the end of each story.

2. The Time is Now

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   Travis Haddix’s song 'The Time is Now' is another soul-searching examples of blues music. Download this song or listen online.

3. Localvore

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text

   In the folk song Localvore, Zach Ladin sings about supporting local foods, businesses, and communities. Download the MP3 or listen online.

4. Activate Games for Learning English - Guess What?

   Format(s): Text

   Guess What? cards can be used for a variety of games in the classroom to provide an opportunity for students to practice making descriptions in English and to learn English vocabulary.

5. Spot the Problem! (reprinted from Teaching Pragmatics)

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

   This lesson plan considers pragmatic violations of openings, closings, and requests. These humorous role plays involve continuing a conversation when one person is trying to end it, being overly direct, and providing an overly informative answer to the greeting “How are you?” Textbooks may lack complete openings and closings, so it is worthwhile to spend time on post-openings and pre-closings. Politeness in English may be problematic for EFL learners because of the lack of grammatical forms that mark it.

6. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Just Off Main Street" by Elmaz Abinader

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan is designed for high intermediate to advanced English language learners. Based on an authentic, contemporary essay by an accomplished American writer, the lesson plan includes tasks and activities designed to improve students’ English language skills as well as increase their understanding of American culture. The lesson includes pre-, during, and post reading activities to improve comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and make connections beyond the text. Websites of interest and useful questions for discussion or writing are included.

7. The Lighter Side

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This quiz tests students’ knowledge of idioms related to cars and driving.

8. Words and Their Stories

   Format(s): Website

   Etymology and stories related to specific words in American English, produced by Voice of America.

9. Board Game: Would You Rather?

   In: Activate Games for Learning American English: Board Games Format(s): Text

   The board game "Would You Rather…Why?" gives students a chance to express their preferences on a num­ber of different topics. For this board game, you will find the downloadable game, game instructions, and game variations.

10. VOA Podcast: Clara Barton, 1821-1912: A Life of Caring for Others

    In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3, Website

    Clara Barton started the American Red Cross and changed the lives of many people. Listen to "Clara Barton,1821-1912: A Life of Caring for Others," or read the transcript of the podcast from Voice of America (VOA).

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