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1. The Lighter Side

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This is a logic puzzle called “Where’s the Beef.” This activity begins with a word search where students must find hidden words in a grid of letters, all related to McDonald’s and various fast food restaurant items. Also included in the game is a list of eleven related facts that students must read and analyze in order to answer the question stated at the beginning of the game. The activity is intended to help students practice vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking.

2. The Lighter Side

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   These are two vocabulary activities. “J-Words Crossword Puzzle” invites students to use clues to fill in a crossword with words that start with the letter “J.” "Postcards Word Search" uses vocabulary from the feature article, "A Postcard from America."

3. Alphabet Connect: From "The Lighter Side" of TEFL

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This activity, called “Alphabet Connect,” aims to help vocabulary skills. It asks students to connect the letters of the alphabet to create the name of animal that lives in forests of Southeast Asia and Africa. It thus uses integrated skills to learn about animals in other countries.

4. Adding Variety to Word Recognition Exercises

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

   This author discusses an interactive model of reading in which there is a balance in activities between top-down processes and the less common bottom-up processes such as word recognition. The author suggests adding more word recognition activities in L2 reading pedagogy to improve reading efficiency. After identifying the challenges in using these types of activities, the author proposes guidelines for developing materials that incorporate word recognition in an engaging way.

5. 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!

6. Story Theater

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article introduces an interactive and engaging classroom activity entitled Story Theater. The goal of this activity is to provide students with a text to read aloud as they act out the storyline using props and special effects. The purpose of Story Theater is to aid fluency and memorization and to provide students with a chance to use the language and their imaginations. This activity can be used with all ages and all English proficiency levels. The author includes examples of effective Story Theater lessons.

7. Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary

   Format(s): Text

   The Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary is a concise yet comprehensive guide packed with information about the words most commonly used in speech and writing.

8. Effective Assessment Practices for Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in an Online Environment

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

   The American English Webinar and Facebook Live sessions are hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of English Language Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

9. Developing Writing

   Format(s): Text

   Developing Writing is a reading and writing skills text designed for beginning to intermediate learners of English.

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