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1. Lesson Plans Related to Art and Design

   Format(s): Text, Website

   From the Smithsonian, lesson plans and resources for teaching and learning about American culture, art, history, and other topics.

2. 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.

3. U.S. National Parks: Protecting Nature and Providing Enjoyment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This feature article on national parks is appropriate for use with higher intermediate or advanced learners. It offers vivid photos and describes the history of national parks, their creation, management, and expansion. The author discusses features of parks from different regions of the country: Acadia National Park (Maine), Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska), Everglades National Park (Florida), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). Information about the national parks conservation association and the national park foundation is also included.

4. State and County Fairs: Family Fun Across the USA

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This feature article is on state and county fairs, “eagerly awaited celebrations of the nation’s agricultural bounty, love of competition, and community spirit.” The article discusses the history of fairs, where innovations in farm equipment and household appliances are displayed, and people engage in competition, fun, rides, and viewing curiosities. Some characteristics of fairs that are described are animals, education, competition, entertainment, and community involvement. Segments on 4-H and fair food follow the article.

5. Lesson Plan: A Day at the Fair

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This issue’s lesson plan, “A Day at the Fair” follows the feature article on state and county fairs. After reading a summary of the article, learners are asked to list things they might experience with their senses at a fair. The terms may be used in a role play. Group members select roles and make decisions about how to spend a day at the fair according to the preferences on their cards. The lesson concludes with a reflection on decisions made during the role play.

6. The Lighter Side: National Park Symbols

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   “National Park Symbols” is a matching activity in which students match the symbol of a park activity to its meaning.

7. The Lighter Side: Fair Finds

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   “Fair Finds” is a word scramble using fair-related vocabulary.

8. Chapter 1: The Autobiography of Mark Twain

   In: The Autobiography of Mark Twain Format(s): Text

   Chapter 1 of The Autobiography of Mark Twain, an adaptation of Twain’s autobiography.

9. Chapter 2: The Autobiography of Mark Twain

   In: The Autobiography of Mark Twain Format(s): Text

   Chapter 2 of The Autobiography of Mark Twain, an adaptation of Twain’s autobiography.

10. Chapter 3: The Autobiography of Mark Twain

    In: The Autobiography of Mark Twain Format(s): Text

    Chapter 3 of The Autobiography of Mark Twain, an adaptation of Twain’s autobiography.

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