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1. Tips and Activities for Creating a Communicative EFL Classroom Using Online Meeting Software

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

   This session, "Tips and Activities for Creating a Communicative EFL Classroom Using Online Meeting Software," introduced several communicative EFL activities for instructional sessions conducted via video-based online meeting software.

2. Classmates as Language Learning Allies: Activities to Encourage Student-to-Student Interaction

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

   This session, “Classmates as Language Learning Allies: Activities to Encourage Student-to-Student Interaction,” provides ideas and strategies for structuring pair and group work to maximize student-to-student engagement, which can be especially important in contexts offering limited opportunities for out-of-class English practice.

3. Harmonious Learning: Yoga in the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   The author discusses the connection between yoga and language learning. Body position as well as visualization and guided imagery can introduce language in an enjoyable way. The lessons are modeled after a Total Physical Response (TPR) approach. The benefits of yoga in the classroom include reducing anxiety, helping students focus through silence, and embedding language in tasks. The author answers frequently asked questions and provides sample activities and suggested resources.

4. Iditarod: The Annual Sled-Dog Race

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   “Iditarod: The Annual Sled-Dog Race “ is a reading text about “Iditarod” which is an annual sled-dog race that has been held in Alaska since 1973. It presents the meaning, origin, history, and importance of this race for Alaskan people. The article also provides information on past winners of the race.

5. Rodeo: A Uniquely American Sport

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   The feature article, “Rodeo: A Uniquely American Sport,” includes sections about the history of rodeo, classic rodeo events, the growth of professional rodeo, the making of a rodeo cowboy, rodeo heroes, and rodeo and fine arts. Websites of interest and a glossary of rodeo terms accompany the article, as well as many images.

6. Graphing Activity Student Survey

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article shows how a learner poll can become a graphing activity for students. The author gives the reasons for using graphing activities as well as instructions for warm-up activities, graphing, and follow-up activities for a unit on sports. The author also provides ideas for using graphs with other themes.

7. NASCAR: An American Sport and Pastime

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article, written for students, is about NASCAR, a popular auto racing sport in the United States. It offers the history of the sport, interesting pictures, and a piece on the importance of a pit crew. There is also a profile of Jeff Gordon, a popular and winning driver. Also included are a list of NASCAR vocabulary and websites of interest, an overview of the sport and its rules, and information on three legendary drivers.

8. VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English

   Format(s): Website

   Articles and corresponding audio on American Life and history for English learners. Read the articles and listen online, or download free podcasts.

9. A Lesson Plan Speaking (and Writing) of Sports

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan offers several sports-related photographs and classroom activities that use the pictures for individual, pair, or group work. The activities include a sentence-combination task, structured writing questions, open-ended writing tasks, a charting task, and questions for a whole-class discussion. The author gives suggestions for making the tasks easier or more difficult for multiple levels.

10. From da Vinci to Recumbent... Velocity and the Velocipede

    In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    This reading on bicycles is appropriate for intermediate to advanced students. The author traces the history of the bicycle back to the nineteenth century and describes major innovations in the technological development of bikes. Modern bicycle technology and impacts are also discussed. The article presents the etymology of the word bicycle and then offers translations into other languages, illustrating that in many cases a relationship to the root of the original word remains. Additional websites of interest are also included for further reading or follow up activities.

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