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1. Cross Cultural Activities and Lesson Plans

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Activities and lesson plans based on Peace Corps Volunteers’ cross-cultural experiences.

2. Arts and Culture

   Format(s): Text, Website

   Full lesson plans on a variety of topics related to the arts from the National Endowment of the Humanities.

3. U.S. National Parks: Protecting Nature and Providing Enjoyment

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

   This feature article on national parks is appropriate for use with higher intermediate or advanced learners. It offers vivid photos and describes the history of national parks, their creation, management, and expansion. The author discusses features of parks from different regions of the country: Acadia National Park (Maine), Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska), Everglades National Park (Florida), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). Information about the national parks conservation association and the national park foundation is also included.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Strategies for Engaging Young Learners

   Format(s): Text

   The difficulty in teaching young learners (YLs) in the EFL classroom is maintaining engagement throughout the lesson. Therefore, teachers of YLs need to incorporate activities that are meaningful, engaging, and also entertaining. This webinar will share practical tips and ideas for engaging young learners in the EFL classroom, including using fun songs with humor, using actions to accompany poetry and song lyrics, and promoting creativity. We will also focus on techniques for making input comprehensible, such as using gestures, visuals, and realia as learning tools. When using a variety of techniques and activities, children forget they are in a step-by-step language lesson, and the learning comes naturally.

7. Nichole

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   In this interview, Nichole talks about her week at high school and her plans to study photography in college.

8. Casey

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   What would it be like to be homeschooled? Read and listen to Casey tell her story of going to school at home.

9. Aidan

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): E-book, MP3

   Aidan talks about his father as well as trying to find a part-time job.

10. Lilac

    In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

    In this interview, Lilac talks about her part-time job, being on the swim team, and buying a car.

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