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1. Using Story Boxes in Language Learning

   In: English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article outlines how to bring stories alive through the use of story boxes (or bags). The author suggests that teachers use easy-to-find materials such as shoeboxes or pizza boxes. These can be filled with a variety of small surprise items related to the content. The teacher or the students can find items for these boxes. Story boxes can easily be moved and stored. They can be used in identifying themes or for vocabulary and grammar exercises, and they work well with learners of all ages.

2. 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.

3. Enliven Your Class and Engage Your Students with Fun Facts

   In: English Teaching Forum 2023, Volume 61, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   Stephen Mark Silvers enlivens this article with dozens of “fun facts” while also explaining how teachers can use such facts to motivate students and develop students’ English skills in creative ways. The author, who notes that students’ responses to the facts will be “authentic and meaningful,” provides a number of sources where teachers can find fun facts to use with their classes.

4. Classroom 2.0: Tools for Digital Learning

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

   New to digital learning? No problem! Our presenter will share ideas and tools appropriate for teachers with all levels of experience in English Language Teaching.

5. Hidden Pictures: An Integrated Speaking and Listening Activity

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Author Heather Gaddis provides a detailed, step-by-step description of an original activity in which students examine and describe pictures that are similar to one another. The author includes suggestions for adapting the activity for different purposes and for integrating themes—which teachers can choose—into the activity for targeted practice.

6. The Conversation Class

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses conversation classes, drawing from the author’s experience teaching Persian ESL. The author offers eight guidelines for effective teaching: cultivate a relaxed atmosphere (with six suggestions for doing this), be alert and foster alertness, be enthusiastic and engender enthusiasm, be patient, be sensitive, think, listen, and make corrections. The article finishes with a number of suggested topics and activities for promoting conversation.

7. Back Translating: An Integrated Approach to Focus Learners' Attention on Their L2 Knowledge Gaps

   In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article describes a three-step process for using back translation in reading classes as a way to help students identify gaps in their English competence.

8. Engaging Language Learners with Biography-Based Lessons, Units, and Courses

   In: English Teaching Forum 2018, Volume 56, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article provides a number of ideas for incorporating biographies and biography-based texts to enhance the learning of language (and culture).

9. A Poster for Any Occasion

   In: English Teaching Forum 2019, Volume 57, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   The article presents a step-by-step procedure for getting learners to create posters as a way to review content, generate discussion, practice giving presentations – or just unwind after a busy week.

10. Community Map Puzzle

    In: English Teaching Forum 2019, Volume 57, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    The article describes a fun, collaborative way for learners to practice prepositions of location and vocabulary related to places in a community. Two examples are provided, with suggestions for generating more.

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