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1. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Maps and Legends" by Michael Chabon

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan is based on the article “Maps and Legends” by novelist Michael Chabon and is for high intermediate to advance students. The lesson includes group and pair work. Students discuss the neighborhood where they grew up. They read the text and identify unfamiliar words, then answer comprehension questions in writing or discussion groups. Post-reading activities include scanning, inferring meaning from context, dictionary practice, and discussion questions. The lesson ends with questions to make connections beyond the text and project ideas.

2. American Life and Institutions

   Format(s): Text

   American Life and Institutions introduces foreign students to the people and culture of the United States of America.

3. VOA Podcast: American History: A Declaration Seeking Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): Website

   Listen to Voice of America (VOA) Podcast: American History: A Declaration Seeking Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Podcast from VOA Learning English: About the USA. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

4. VOA Podcast: The State of Vermont - Fertile Farmland, Green Mountains and Revolutionary History

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): Website

   Listen online or download the podcast. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

5. VOA Podcast: Words and Their Stories - Down to Earth

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): Website

   Listen online or download the podcast. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

6. Earth Day and Arbor Day

   In: Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A. Format(s): Text

   Both Arbor Day and Earth Day focus on the environment.

7. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

   In: Sing Out Loud Children's Songs Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This song in the Sing Out Loud Children's Songs collection is a classic tune using body parts and movement. Poster included.

8. Western Culture and the Teaching of English as an International Language

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   This article considers the role of culture in the teaching of English as an International Language. There are differing views on whether to include cultural topics in the teaching of English. Educational leaders in some countries have voiced concern over a form of colonization that occurs when Western culture is presented as better than the students’ local culture. The article examines ways that approved textbooks from Chile, Morocco, and Japan present Western values and characters, and suggests that texts could present more characters from countries where English is a second language.

9. VOA Podcast: Number of International Students Attending American Colleges and Universities Continues Rising

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): Text

   Listen online or download the podcast.

10. VOA Podcast: Words and Their Stories: Dog Talk

    In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3, Text

    From Voice of America Podcasts in Special English. Americans use many expressions with the word dog. Learn about their love for the animal and how they use the word. Download the MP3 or listen online.

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