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1. The Lighter Side: Reduce, Reuse, Re____

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This puzzle features words that begin with the letters ”re” … and similar words without “re” as the first letters. Can you find them all?  

2. The Lighter Side: Peace Puzzles

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   See if you can solve these short puzzles that feature quotes related to peace and different uses of the words “peace” and “piece.”

3. Classroom Activities

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

   This section presents three stand-alone learning activities related to the theme of knitting. A lesson for upper beginners uses the topic of knitting to teach clothing-related vocabulary. A lesson for intermediate learners uses an essay on knitting circles for a paragraph-ordering activity. An advanced lesson helps students understand idioms related to knitting. The lesson plan includes printable idiom cards.

4. Eyes On English

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

   The author discusses a school-wide campaign to promote the use of English. This six-week campaign, called Eyes on English, was created for Early Childhood and Elementary divisions, but is noted to be flexible for other grade levels. Throughout the article, the author expresses the importance of this program as well as provides a basic activity that can help teachers increase English usage.

5. The Lighter Side of TEFL: Shaggy Dog Stories

   In: The Lighter Side of TEFL, Volume 1 Format(s): Text

   This section of The Lighter Side of TEFL focuses on shaggy dog stories, which are long-winded tales that gradually work up to a surprise ending. This section has an audio component.

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. Creating a Positive Classroom Community

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

   This session, "Creating a Positive Classroom Community," explains how to successfully foster relationships among learners to create a sense of purpose and belonging in the classroom, resulting in greater student participation and rapport.

8. Turning Logic-Grid Puzzles into a Communicative Activity

   In: English Teaching Forum 2022, Volume 60, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The author, Gavin Young, offers a detailed guide showing how to create custom-made logic-grid puzzles and how to present and use them in class to promote learners’ speaking, listening, and thinking skills. The author uses an original puzzle he created as a working example throughout the article.

9. The Lighter Side: The Happiness Puzzle

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   In this puzzle, your job is to unscramble groups of letters to spell things that happy people might do, then to fill in blanks to spell out things that make many people happy. After solving the puzzle, you are encouraged to think of your own puzzle items—or have your students create some and happily share with their classmates.

10. The Lighter Side: Scrambled Lyrics

    In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    In this puzzle, you are given the first lines to songs, but the second lines to those songs are not only scrambled—they are also out of order. Your job is to unscramble each of the second lines and then match it with the first line that it follows. If you and your students are feeling creative, after solving the puzzle you can continue the songs with your own ideas and even make up melodies and sing them.

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