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1. 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.

2. Lesson Plan: Going Green

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

   The lesson plan, “Going Green,” allows students to develop research and problem-solving skills on the theme of environmental conservation. The lesson includes a glossary of environmental terms. It uses a learner-centered approach as learners work in groups to determine their topic, the vocabulary they want to learn, how to collect information, how to report it (qualitatively or quantitatively), and what action to take based on the results. Students report their findings and action plan in a poster presentation. Creative writing, a debate, or a "green fair" are optional extensions.

3. In the Loop

   Format(s): Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This book is a wonderful reference guide to American English idioms for your classroom. The book includes idioms and their meanings, a list of idioms by theme, some ready-to-use classroom activities, and a comprehensive index.

4. Can't Stop

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   This inspirational song by Ozomatli models the type of Latin music that you often hear on American radio stations. The song has influences of both salsa and rock, and combines rhythms from the two genres.

5. Multi-Modal Writing: Promoting Digital Literacy in the English Language Classroom

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): MP3, Text

   This webinar discusses how multi-modal writing uses more than just words to communicate–it encourages students to use audio, video, photographs, and drawings to supplement their writing in meaningful ways.

6. Poems About Love and Relationships

   In: Poetry Format(s): Text

   In the spirit of Valentine’s Day on February 14th, this month’s poems by English language learners are about love and relationships. Download them or read them online.

7. Raggedy Ann Stories

   Format(s): Text

   Raggedy Ann Stories contains 13 short stories about the classic rag doll and her friends. Download the MP3 or listen online. Or download the MOBI or EPUB files for your e-reader.

8. Strategy-Building and Meaning-Focused Listening with “The Fall of the House of Usher”

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

   The activity is designed to develop students’ listening strategies and also includes meaning-focused aspects. 

9. Vocabulary Listening Cloze and Word Stress Chart with "Into The Garden"

   In: Teacher's Corner: Listening Format(s): MP3, Text

   This listening activity uses an audio clip from Zach Ladin's “Into the Garden,” a song from Sing Out Loud: American Rhythms.

10. Other Poems

    In: Poetry Format(s): Text

    Do you like surprises? Read a poem from this month’s selection of poems by English language learners. These poems are not categorized by theme or topic, so choose a poem and enjoy the surprise of where it takes you!

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