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Gossip and Rumors

In: Teacher's Corner: Reported Speech Format(s): Text

This week’s Teacher’s Corner uses a variation of the game “True Truths and a Lie” to help students practice reported speech while they learn more about their classmates.

Word Bricks

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

Word Bricks are used for building sentences in English. The Word Bricks have a wide range of words in English written on them: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, pronouns, and so on—all of the building blocks that students need to form complete phrases and sentences in English.

Word Bricks-Longest Sentence

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

Students create the longest sentence possible using a set of 15–20 Word Bricks in 3 minutes. Keeping the time limit short makes for a fast-paced, fun atmosphere as teams compete. Download the cards and instructions!

Lesson Plan: Athletes, Actions, and Adjectives

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4 Format(s): Text

People who are very familiar with American football and those completely unfamiliar with it can benefit from the interactive, communicative activities presented in this lesson plan. Students can analyze examples from the NFL and create their own team names, team logos, and player descriptions. Ideas for teaching adjectives and body parts are also provided. In the spirit of the game, the plan features quick, lively group activities, all under 50 minutes each.

English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 2

Format(s): Text

Find strategies for listening to diverse English voices through podcasts … learn how to contextualize teacher training through needs analysis … read ideas on working with upper-class students as teaching assistants (TAs) … organize a “writing picnic” … get to know an English teacher in Slovenia … use “bear with superpowers” to introduce students to debating … and much more.

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!

Week 4 - Breaking the Ice With Modals

In: Teacher's Corner: Modals Format(s): Text

Icebreaker activities are great ways to get students talking. Icebreakers are even better when students are both talking and practicing a specific language skill or component.

Week 2 - Let's Have a Party

In: Teacher's Corner: Phrasal Verbs Format(s): Text

This week’s Teacher’s Corner provides students the opportunity to practice using phrasal verbs related to life experiences and planning a party.

Integrated Skills: Combining Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Grammar

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

This session, "Integrated Skills: Combining Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Grammar," addresses an integrated approach to teaching speaking, reading, listening, writing, and grammar skills. First, we will identify some challenges associated with combining language skill areas, and we will discuss options for overcoming these challenges. Next, we will explore how to develop and implement a variety of multi-skill instructional options including meaningful grammar activities, dynamic reading relays and jigsaws, interactive writing games, engaging speaking activities, and high-interest listening tasks. By the end of the session, participants will have developed a toolkit for conducting more interactive, learner-centered lessons that motivate students and hold their interest—teachers will be ready to adapt and use these innovative ideas immediately!

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.