Advanced Search: Resources

1. A Judicious Lesson: A Whole-learning Reading Activity

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the use of whole-reading activities in a university level reading and speaking course. The author used a magazine article about a murder and a trial to develop a four-week unit in which students investigated ideas about crime, punishment, rhetorical strategies, idiomatic language, and the United States' judicial system. Through the use of this unit, the author advocates for readings and activities that challenge students to move beyond comprehension of a text.

2. Task-Based Reading Activities Using Authentic Materials and Skills

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

   This session, "Task-Based Reading Activities Using Authentic Materials and Skills," shares two reading activities that involve the station-based learning and authentic materials; these tasks promote a range of reading skills while maximizing learner engagement, critical thinking, and learner autonomy!

3. Weaving the Web into an EAP Reading Program

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The authors share their experiences developing Internet reading activities for their students in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. The authors chose reading material found on the Internet that was authentic, up-to-date, and would increase student interest and motivation to learn English. The authors share practical considerations as well as their experience adapting laboratory activities to increase student autonomy along with other lessons learned in the process of using Internet reading materials.

4. Poetry Corner: Reading and Reacting to a Michigan Poem

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   “Poetry Corner: Reading and Reacting to a Michigan Poem” consists of activities targeting reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills using a Michigan poem called “How Is It That the Snow,” written by poet Robert Haight, who lives in Michigan.

5. Skim, Scan, Run! An Active Approach to Developing Reading Macroskills

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

   This session, "Skim, Scan, Run! An Active Approach to Developing Reading Macroskills," shares a dynamic way to get students out of their seats—in both virtual and face-to-face settings—as they collaborate and communicate with classmates during a reading race that involves a variety of texts.

6. Connecting Reading and Writing in Grammar Teaching: A Functional Approach

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

   This webinar, "Connecting Reading and Writing in Grammar Teaching: A Functional Approach," explores teaching grammar from a meaning-based perspective.

7. Task-Based Reading Activities Using Authentic Materials and Skills

   In: English Teaching Forum 2021, Volume 59, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The author describes in detail a two-stage reading activity that incorporates authentic materials, task-based learning, and stations. The article includes ideas for adaptation and presents a number of further teaching applications.

8. Translation and Foreign Language Reading Comprehension: A Neglected Didactic Procedure

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   In reviewing views on the use of L1 in L2 classrooms, the author argues for the benefits of using L1. The author argues for the benefits of written translation activities based on the ideas that translation uses authentic materials, is interactive, learner-centered, and promotes learner autonomy. The author also argues that written translation activities can be used as a post-reading activity to check learners’ reading comprehension and provide items for future tests. A sample activity is given and suggestions are discussed.

9. Story 1: Are You Ready to Learn English?

   In: Why English? Comics for the Classroom Format(s): MP3, 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.

10. 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!

Pages