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Contextualizing English Instruction to Focus on Environmental Issues

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

This session, "Contextualizing English Instruction to Focus on Environmental Issues," offers teaching techniques to situate language learning within local, environmental settings and demonstrates how to use authentic materials to connect local to global ecological concerns for learners of all ages and proficiency levels.

Football: Action on the Gridiron

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

This issue features an in-depth article on the history, mechanics, gameplay, culture, and appeal of American football as well as a piece on America's yearly big event (the Super Bowl). There are powerful, dynamic sports photographs and descriptive, numbers-based explanations of how to play. The historical context reveals that football is not purely an American creation. A discussion of current-day football describes it as an event instead of just a game. A vocabulary section is also included so that students can learn how to 'talk football.'

Lesson Plan: Greetings from Sunny New Mexico

In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The New Mexico lesson plan for this issue is a self-contained 1 1/4 to 2 hour lesson with a complete pre- during- post framework for interacting with the main text - a letter from a friend living in New Mexico. The focus here is on the vocabulary and grammar of description (e.g., words for scenery and weather, relative "that" clauses). Extension activities are provided for multi-session lessons (e.g., written response, class survey).

Health and Fitness

In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 2 Format(s): Text

The theme of health offers a variety of language-learning possibilities. This three-part lesson plan for young learners can be adapted to other audiences. It includes a reading, a dialogue, and a listening script. The first lesson asks learners to analyze lifestyle choices and give advice. The second lesson takes students to a sporting goods store, where they consider the language they need to talk with a sales clerk. The third lesson is about food choices, including ways to prepare foods. A follow-up activity researches how a famous athlete stays healthy.

Open Classroom Communication and the Learning of Citizenship Values

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

This article discusses the importance of fostering citizenship values in language classrooms around the world, and specifically in Morocco. Class content, student-teacher roles, classroom activities, and teacher education can promote civic values of equality, respect, responsibility, tolerance, and compassion. A learner-centered environment where there is group work, open communication, and participation, models these values. By including cultural content and engaging students with meaningful issues, teachers can increase interest and motivation.

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.

State and County Fairs: Family Fun Across the USA

In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This feature article is on state and county fairs, “eagerly awaited celebrations of the nation’s agricultural bounty, love of competition, and community spirit.” The article discusses the history of fairs, where innovations in farm equipment and household appliances are displayed, and people engage in competition, fun, rides, and viewing curiosities. Some characteristics of fairs that are described are animals, education, competition, entertainment, and community involvement. Segments on 4-H and fair food follow the article.

Classroom Activities

In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This "Classroom Activities" features three stand-alone language-learning activity related to the theme of summer.

News They Can Use: Creating a Digital Newspaper