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1. Using Favorite Songs and Poems with Young Learners

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   In this article, the author discusses the benefits of using songs and poems to teach young learners. The author explains how songs and poems can be used in English class and what their benefits are. The author explains how teachers can use actions or puppets to accompany the selected songs or poems, or allow young learners to create ideas themselves. Each suggestion includes an activity. The author also offers an example of a song chart.

2. Quilting: An American Craft

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This is an introduction to an American craft: quilting. The passage introduces what quilting is and different types of quilts. It also talks about the meaning of quilts and how they are used in American society.

3. Translation and Foreign Language Reading Comprehension: A Neglected Didactic Procedure

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   In reviewing views on the use of L1 in L2 classrooms, the author argues for the benefits of using L1. The author argues for the benefits of written translation activities based on the ideas that translation uses authentic materials, is interactive, learner-centered, and promotes learner autonomy. The author also argues that written translation activities can be used as a post-reading activity to check learners’ reading comprehension and provide items for future tests. A sample activity is given and suggestions are discussed.

4. Newspapers in America

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This is an introduction to American newspapers. It starts with a history of newspapers and the tradition of American journalism that challenges authority. The article offers a description and discussion of major American newspapers and the different sections of a typical newspaper. There is also a section introducing some famous American journalists.

5. Lesson Plan: Using Journalism Skills in the Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan contains four activities based on the theme of newspapers and journalism. It includes a lesson to familiarize students with newspapers, journalistic writing, interviewing, and creating a class newspaper. The activities can be used as individual lessons or a larger project of creating a class newspaper.

6. A Questionnaire Project: Integrating the Four Macro Skills with Critical Thinking

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article describes the steps of a questionnaire project that uses listening, speaking, reading and writing while developing interpretation skills and self-regulation. The project creates survey questions, collects and analyzes data, and reports results. While students work in groups, they have opportunities to brainstorm, express opinions, and ask for clarification. The article includes tips on time constraints, evaluation of data, participation, and topic selection.

7. Beyond Film: Exploring the Content of Movies

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article looks at the use of movies in the language-learning classroom. The author promotes the use of the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird” due to its content, which involves poverty, racial inequality and mental illness, and to the availability of websites related to its use in English classrooms. The author highlights six scenes for understanding the movie, pre-viewing, while viewing, and post-viewing activities, as well as suggestions for Internet follow-up. An example WebQuest is included.

8. U.S. Coins: Reminders of History and Heritage

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article describes the various US coins, the design, size, and history of coins, coin-making, the US mint, coin production, and the mottos that appear on coins. There is also a section on coin collecting as a hobby, a list of websites about coins, and a glossary of coin terms.

9. Poetry Corner

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This issue’s “Poetry Corner” revolves around the poem “Coins” by Richard Newman. It includes a lesson plan for teaching students about American Coins, as well as a glossary of terms. Skills include vocabulary, reading, and discussion. The lesson works with the feature article entitled US Coins.

10. Developing Dynamic Units for EFL

    In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 2 Format(s): Text

    “Developing Dynamic Units for EFL” describes how to develop a thematic unit that integrates skills in context, provides opportunities for learner autonomy, and is project-based and experiential. Planning includes identifying curriculum standards, thinking of a meaningful topic, brainstorming tasks, organizing the activities, and making use of learner choice. The sample unit “Eating Out with Friends” includes the topics of inviting friends; choosing a restaurant and making a reservation; finding and communicating directions; ordering and requesting the bill; and thanking friends and retelling the story.

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