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1. Alternatives to Classroom Debate

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

   This session, "Alternatives to Classroom Debate," explores the limitations of the traditional classroom debate format and introduces several alternatives ELT educators can use to cultivate the 21st-century skills their students need to discuss challenging topics.

2. The Color Vowel Chart

   Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This is a powerful tool for teaching spoken English. It helps teachers incorporate pronunciation into lessons. Check out the chart, the teacher’s guide, and the webinar on how to teach with The Color Vowel Chart.

3. Poems About Education

   In: Poetry Format(s): Text

   Read poems that students from around the world wrote about their schools, teachers, and education. Download student poems!

4. Smithsonian Folkways: Tools for Teaching

   Format(s): Website

   Looking for more ways to use music to teach? Check out the Smithsonian Folkways website that has a section called “Tools for Teaching” with free lessons and activities for the classroom.

5. VOA: English in a Minute

   Format(s): Video, Website

   Looking for ways to improve your listening skills and learn English idioms? Check out Voice of America's English in a Minute and listen to brief video clips that explain American English colloquialisms.

6. The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories

   Format(s): Text

   This collection of short stories by O. Henry gives the reader a wonderful selection of characters from the United States of 100 years ago.

7. The Red Badge of Courage and Other Stories

   Format(s): Text

   This book is a collection of stories adapted from Stephen Crane classics. Listen online or download the MP3. Or, download the MOBI or EPUB files for your e-reader.

8. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "A Postcard from America" by Robert Olen Butler

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

   This lesson plan is based on the feature article, “Postcards from America” by Robert Olen Butler. It is appropriate for high intermediate to advanced students. The lesson integrates the four skills and has five parts: Preparing to Read, Reading the Text, Understanding the Text, Making Connections Beyond the Text, and Integrating Language Skills. The lesson includes group discussion of comprehension questions, scanning for vocabulary, and using the dictionary.

9. Just Off Main Street

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

   “Just off Main Street” is for learner use and is an account of the writer’s experience as an Arab American. It opens with a description of the writer’s childhood and the cultural divide between life inside and outside the home. Readers will be drawn into the vivid description of daily life. The article looks at the challenges of being bi-cultural, of keeping home life separate, of being “exoticized,” of becoming comfortable and proud of one’s heritage, and of finding community. The article provides opportunities for discussions of culture, identity, and activism.

10. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Just Off Main Street" by Elmaz Abinader

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

    This lesson plan is designed for high intermediate to advanced English language learners. Based on an authentic, contemporary essay by an accomplished American writer, the lesson plan includes tasks and activities designed to improve students’ English language skills as well as increase their understanding of American culture. The lesson includes pre-, during, and post reading activities to improve comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and make connections beyond the text. Websites of interest and useful questions for discussion or writing are included.

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