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1. Poetry for the People

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article starts with the view that most poets believe that poetry should be understandable and accessible to everyone. The article then introduces the poetry and ideas of Ted Kooser, a famous poet born in Iowa. Following the stories of Ted Kooser, the article introduces what a poet laureate is, how long they serve, how they are chosen, how much pay they get, what they do, and six poet laureates of the past two decades. The history of the Library of Congress is introduced at the end.

2. Reading Up-Close and Personal: Connection-Making and the Classic American Short Story

   In: English Teaching Forum 2024, Volume 62, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Authors Spencer Salas and Bernadette Musetti use the O. Henry story “Transients in Arcadia” (available on the American English website) to illustrate how readers can make a text more meaningful by connecting it to themselves, to other texts, and to the world.

3. English Teaching Forum 2009, Volume 47, Number 2

   Format(s): Text

   The spotlight is on New Mexico. Accompanying the feature article is a lesson plan designed to teach students about the state’s climate and energy issues. Other articles focus on World Englishes, organizational skills that aid language learning, public speaking tasks in English language learning, ways to make university English classes more interactive, and video recording in teacher training.

4. Plays for Reading

   Format(s): Text

   Plays for Reading uses drama as a vehicle for students to practice reading, listening, and speaking. Students become actors interpreting the written text, and the English classroom becomes a rehearsal hall with the focus placed upon putting on a play.

5. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "For Life's Sake" by Linda Hogan

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 4 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan is for use with “For Life’s Sake.” After introducing the topic of Native Americans in class discussion, students read the article and identify unfamiliar vocabulary. Students may then read again and discuss comprehension questions. Post-reading activities build vocabulary, including idioms, and utilize dictionary and scanning skills. Questions to make connections beyond the text may be used for discussion or writing assignments. There are other projects that integrate language skills, such as writing a poem, considering family customs, and doing Internet research.

6. Edgar Allan Poe: Storyteller

   Format(s): E-book, MP3, Text

   Seven popular Poe stories, slightly adapted for language learners. Stories are suitable for high-intermediate and advanced learners of English. Download the e-book, MP3 or PDF.

7. Creating Comics to Think Critically

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

   "Creating Comics to Think Critically" provides strategies global educators can use to help English language learners create comics as a means of developing their language and critical thinking skills.

8. Being People

   Format(s): Text

   Being People is a collection of short stories and poems that draws upon the multicultural nature of American society.

9. Nurturing Emotional Intelligence through Literature

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses the use of literature in a language class as a way to develop emotional intelligence in children. The author suggests that literature can be motivating and can provide a low-anxiety context for children to learn English. Several response activities are suggested to develop language skills and nurture emotional intelligence. These activities include scripting, detecting feelings in text, a feeling hunt, creating a positive language dictionary, diary entries, and letters to characters.

10. To Build a Fire and Other Stories

    Format(s): MP3, Text

    If you like stories about wilderness and survival, check out Jack London’s To Build a Fire and Other Stories. This reader is designed for intermediate-level English learners. Download it for free!

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