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1. Twenty Ideas for Using Mobile Phones in the Language Classroom

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

   Educators need to learn how best to use the increasingly popular mobile phone technology to support learning in the language classroom. This author outlines the benefits as well as potential problems and solutions of mobile phone use, giving twenty practical ideas for classroom activities, such as using a voice recorder to capture conversations outside the classroom.

2. Baseball: A National Tradition

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

   This article, written for language learners, gives an overview of the sport of baseball, known as America’s “national pastime.” The author describes the history of the sport as well as how to play it. The author talks about the types of people who play baseball, from young children to the major leagues, as well as baseball’s role in pop culture. Also included are a brief glossary, websites of interest, and a look at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

3. Lesson Plan: Baseball Stories, Cards,and Interviews

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

   This lesson plan offers an opportunity for students to practice their language skills and learn more about the sport of baseball. There are three activities (that will take at least one class period each) aimed at a variety of levels. Students create baseball cards of themselves and flash cards about the sport, and participate in interview role-plays as famous baseball players. Extension activities are included.

4. Michigan: The Great Lakes State

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

   This article describes Michigan, a US state also known as the “Great Lakes State.” It presents its geography, climate, history, commerce, industry, symbols, and tourist attractions and activities. The article also provides useful websites. It ends with a text about Motown, a legendary music label from Detroit.

5. New York, New York

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article describes New York City. It presents information about its history, immigration process, geography, architecture, rivers, bridges, famous buildings and parks, famous neighborhoods, arts and entertainment, and tourist attractions and activities. The article also provides useful websites about New York City. It ends with a text about the United Nations Headquarters in midtown Manhattan.

6. Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A.

   Format(s): Text

   This book discusses the ten federally-recognized holidays in the United States, as well as many celebratory days. Download as an e-book or as individual PDF chapters.

7. Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller

   Format(s): E-book, MP3, Text

   Seven popular Poe stories, slightly adapted for language learners. Stories are suitable for high-intermediate and advanced learners of English. Download the e-book, MP3 or PDF.

8. 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.

9. Teaching ESL Versus EFL

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The author argues for different teaching approaches in EFL vs. ESL settings. He points out the differences in student motivation and suggests how to select different activities for the two contexts (with examples of relevant activities). He gives guidelines for the appropriate role of L1 in each classroom, and explains how the two classroom cultures differ (for example, in term of the learning styles of the students). He argues that keeping in mind these differences will help educators make more effective decisions for their students.

10. Using Favorite Songs and Poems with Young Learners

    In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    In this article, the author discusses the benefits of using songs and poems to teach young learners. The author explains how songs and poems can be used in English class and what their benefits are. The author explains how teachers can use actions or puppets to accompany the selected songs or poems, or allow young learners to create ideas themselves. Each suggestion includes an activity. The author also offers an example of a song chart.

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