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1. The Lighter Side

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002 (Volume 40, Number 1) Format(s): Text

   This is a logic puzzle called “Where’s the Beef.” This activity begins with a word search where students must find hidden words in a grid of letters, all related to McDonald’s and various fast food restaurant items. Also included in the game is a list of eleven related facts that students must read and analyze in order to answer the question stated at the beginning of the game. The activity is intended to help students practice vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking.

2. Lesson Plan: Be a Good Sport

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan, targeted at upper-beginner and lower-intermediate learners, includes listening, speaking, and writing activities centered on the sport of lacrosse. At least two activities are included for each skill, such as a mini-presentation and a discussion of why being a good sport is a good way to practice speaking.

3. Renewable Energy

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article, aimed at high intermediate to advanced readers, discusses the use of renewable energy. It presents a brief history on the source and types of energy. It then focuses on recent developments including solar, biomass, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. The article discusses the future of renewable energy and provides some suggestions on how to improve it.

4. The Lighter Side of TEFL: Puzzle Stories

   In: The Lighter Side of TEFL, Volume 1 Format(s): Text

   This section of The Lighter Side of TEFL focuses on puzzle stories, which are "thinking" games that get students to think about what they are listening to or reading. This section has an audio component.

5. One-Room Schools

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   history, one-room schoolhouse, inclusive, schoolhouse teacher, communities, interview, former students, websites, additional resources

6. 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.

7. Words and Their Stories

   Format(s): Website

   Etymology and stories related to specific words in American English, produced by Voice of America.

8. EPA Teacher and Learner Resource Center

   Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   Looking for ways to teach about the environment to your English language learners? Check out these 12 lesson plans from the Environmental Protection Agency. There are 4 lessons for each level – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

9. Smithsonian Student Science and Nature Page

   Format(s): Website

   September 22nd is World Rhino Day. Visit the Smithsonian Student Science and Nature page to learn more about animals and nature.

10. U.S. Time Periods

    Format(s): Text, Video, Website

    Teaching and learning resources on U.S. time periods, from the Department of Education.

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