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1. Story 7: I Need a Bear

   In: Why English? Comics for the Classroom Format(s): Text

   The stories in Why English? Comics for the Classroom – written by teenagers and young adults – will appeal to learners of all ages. These stories provide an enjoyable opportunity to increase vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing.

2. Activate 21st Century Skills with Board Games in the Classroom

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

   This session, "Activate 21st Century Skills with Board Games in the Classroom", examines how playing board games can enable ELLs of all ages to develop authentic language skills while also practicing collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity!

3. The Trans-Cultural Comparative Literature Method: Using Grammar Translation Techniques Effectively

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

   This article explains the trans-cultural comparative literature method, which uses elements of communicative language teaching (CLT) and grammar-translation (GT) while comparing two culturally different texts. This method focuses on grammar and vocabulary, but also gives students a chance to analyze different cultures. An overview of CLT and GT is followed by guidelines for the trans-cultural comparative literature method and sample lesson plans for its use.

4. Using Replacement Performance Role-Plays in the Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Replacement performance role plays are a different type of role play. Rather than memorizing or writing a dialogue, this activity asks learners to listen and consider other possible responses. Students decide which character will be replaced and what they will do differently. Even shy learners or ones with lower proficiency levels can be involved because it is less overwhelming than writing a dialogue. The activity develops pragmatic competence and critical thinking skills. Popular TV shows can be used.

5. EPA Teacher and Learner Resource Center

   Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   Looking for ways to teach about the environment to your English language learners? Check out these 12 lesson plans from the Environmental Protection Agency. There are 4 lessons for each level – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

6. Language Teaching through Critical Thinking and Self-Awareness

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

   This article contains a wealth of activities that will help students develop critical thinking skills. These fun and dynamic activities raise students’ self-awareness regarding their perceptions, assumptions, prejudices, and values. The author addresses the teacher's role in helping students think differently and consider ideas from multiple points of view. To encourage critical thinking, assessment should not rely on summary and definition questions, but those that require analysis, hypothesis, and evaluation. A rationale for the importance of critical thinking is provided from a cognitive perspective.

7. U.S. National Parks: Protecting Nature and Providing Enjoyment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This feature article on national parks is appropriate for use with higher intermediate or advanced learners. It offers vivid photos and describes the history of national parks, their creation, management, and expansion. The author discusses features of parks from different regions of the country: Acadia National Park (Maine), Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska), Everglades National Park (Florida), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). Information about the national parks conservation association and the national park foundation is also included.

8. Word Bricks- Describe and Guess

   In: Activate: Games for Learning American English - Word Bricks Format(s): Text

   In Describe and Guess, players take turns selecting a Word Brick and then describing one of the words on the brick without saying the actual word. Download the game and instructions!

9. Cross Cultural Activities and Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Activities and lesson plans based on Peace Corps Volunteers’ cross-cultural experiences.

10. Chapter 2: Individual Freedoms: Freedom of Expression

    In: Language and Civil Society E-Journal: Civic Education Format(s): Text

    This chapter in the Civic Education volume of the Language and Civil Society e-journal focuses on freedom of expression.

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