π American English Live Series 25 begins on July 15, 2026!
Join six free professional development webinars for English language teachers around the world! This series explores topics related to teaching about American English and life in the United States in celebration of the United Statesβ 250th birthday. π»ππ
These six free professional development webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month from July 15th to December 16th at 15:00 and 20:00 Moscow Time.
In the first session, "From Y'all to Hi There: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Any English Accent," Amy Simpson will demonstrate a simple, step-by-step approach to help students understand regional accents, using Southern American English as an example. π£οΈπβοΈ
βΆοΈ Join the session on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
If you register for the series, you can complete the attendance quiz and be eligible to receive a digital badge after watching the entire webinar.
π More information: https://openenglishcommunity.org/page/registration
Join six free professional development webinars for English language teachers around the world! This series explores topics related to teaching about American English and life in the United States in celebration of the United Statesβ 250th birthday. π»ππ
These six free professional development webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month from July 15th to December 16th at 15:00 and 20:00 Moscow Time.
In the first session, "From Y'all to Hi There: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Any English Accent," Amy Simpson will demonstrate a simple, step-by-step approach to help students understand regional accents, using Southern American English as an example. π£οΈπβοΈ
βΆοΈ Join the session on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
If you register for the series, you can complete the attendance quiz and be eligible to receive a digital badge after watching the entire webinar.
π More information: https://openenglishcommunity.org/page/registration
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Are you interested in professional development, or do you know someone who could benefit from expanding their English language skills?
Enroll in a FREE OPEN MOOC!
For English language learners:
β’ English for Career Development
β’ English for Tourism Professionals
β’ English for Business and Entrepreneurship
For English teachers:
β’ Creating and Implementing Online Courses
β’ Teaching Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages
These courses offer engaging strategies, real-world applications, and flexible learning you can fit into your scheduleβor recommend to your students.
π Learn more and register here: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
Enroll in a FREE OPEN MOOC!
For English language learners:
β’ English for Career Development
β’ English for Tourism Professionals
β’ English for Business and Entrepreneurship
For English teachers:
β’ Creating and Implementing Online Courses
β’ Teaching Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages
These courses offer engaging strategies, real-world applications, and flexible learning you can fit into your scheduleβor recommend to your students.
π Learn more and register here: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
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π #ForumFriday
Looking for a fun, engaging activity to bring into your English classroom?
The "Lighter Side" section of English Teaching Forum offers practical, ready-to-use activities that help learners explore language in creative and memorable ways.
π In this issue, "Grammar Crimes and Misdemeanors" challenges students to investigate common spelling and grammar "troublemakers," such as silent letters, turning language awareness into an interactive learning experience that promotes both accuracy and critical thinking.
π Try the activity
π Explore the full issue of English Teaching Forum
Looking for a fun, engaging activity to bring into your English classroom?
The "Lighter Side" section of English Teaching Forum offers practical, ready-to-use activities that help learners explore language in creative and memorable ways.
π In this issue, "Grammar Crimes and Misdemeanors" challenges students to investigate common spelling and grammar "troublemakers," such as silent letters, turning language awareness into an interactive learning experience that promotes both accuracy and critical thinking.
π Try the activity
π Explore the full issue of English Teaching Forum
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π Culture Share Saturday: Washington State
Washington State is known as the Evergreen State, thanks to its lush forests and year-round greenery. Beyond its natural beauty, Washington is a global center for innovation, technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, making it home to a vibrant startup culture.
The Space Needle was built in Seattle for the 1962 World's Fair, which welcomed more than 2.3 million visitors. Standing 605 feet (184 meters) tall, it was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Even today, it is an engineering marvel, designed to withstand winds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h) and earthquakes as strong as magnitude 9.0.
β΄οΈ Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States, connecting communities across Puget Sound while offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.
Washington State is known as the Evergreen State, thanks to its lush forests and year-round greenery. Beyond its natural beauty, Washington is a global center for innovation, technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, making it home to a vibrant startup culture.
The Space Needle was built in Seattle for the 1962 World's Fair, which welcomed more than 2.3 million visitors. Standing 605 feet (184 meters) tall, it was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Even today, it is an engineering marvel, designed to withstand winds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h) and earthquakes as strong as magnitude 9.0.
β΄οΈ Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States, connecting communities across Puget Sound while offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.
β€3
π Classroom Idea: Show students a photo of the Space Needle and ask:
β’ What do you think this building was designed for?
β’What landmarks represent your city or country?
Then have students give a one-minute presentation about a famous landmark from their region.
β’ What do you think this building was designed for?
β’What landmarks represent your city or country?
Then have students give a one-minute presentation about a famous landmark from their region.
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π Materials Monday within Molodets
This week, explore California and Silicon Valleyβthe global center of technology and innovation.
From the companies and entrepreneurs driving technological progress to the ideas shaping the future, this unit introduces learners to one of the world's most influential regions.
Learn more in the Module 9 Unit 3
This week, explore California and Silicon Valleyβthe global center of technology and innovation.
From the companies and entrepreneurs driving technological progress to the ideas shaping the future, this unit introduces learners to one of the world's most influential regions.
Learn more in the Module 9 Unit 3
β€3
π Scholarship Opportunity for English Teachers! π
π» Want to create engaging online English courses but not sure where to start?
The RELO Office is excited to offer scholarships for the Fall 2026 course through the Online Professional English Network (OPEN)! This fully funded course is a fantastic chance for you to expand your skills, strengthen your impact, and grow professionally.
Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC), delivered by Arizona State University, will guide you through the entire processβfrom planning and design to implementation and evaluation.
Using the ADDIE instructional design model, you'll learn how to: β Analyze learner needs
β Design engaging online lessons
β Create assessments and learning materials
β Develop an implementation plan
π’ Please share widely! Donβt keep this opportunity a secret β share it with teachers in your networks today!
Apply here: https://forms.gle/E3uq6aTb8uLAQXdE6
Application deadline: July 22
π» Want to create engaging online English courses but not sure where to start?
The RELO Office is excited to offer scholarships for the Fall 2026 course through the Online Professional English Network (OPEN)! This fully funded course is a fantastic chance for you to expand your skills, strengthen your impact, and grow professionally.
Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC), delivered by Arizona State University, will guide you through the entire processβfrom planning and design to implementation and evaluation.
Using the ADDIE instructional design model, you'll learn how to: β Analyze learner needs
β Design engaging online lessons
β Create assessments and learning materials
β Develop an implementation plan
π’ Please share widely! Donβt keep this opportunity a secret β share it with teachers in your networks today!
Apply here: https://forms.gle/E3uq6aTb8uLAQXdE6
Application deadline: July 22
β€8
βοΈ TODAY βοΈ
Join American English at 15:00 or 20:00 MSK for the first webinar in American English Live Series 25.
During this session, "From Y'all to Hi There: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Any English Accent," Amy Simpson will demonstrate a simple, step-by-step approach to help students understand regional accents, using Southern American English as an example.
βΆοΈ Join the session on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
Register and learn more here
Join American English at 15:00 or 20:00 MSK for the first webinar in American English Live Series 25.
During this session, "From Y'all to Hi There: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Any English Accent," Amy Simpson will demonstrate a simple, step-by-step approach to help students understand regional accents, using Southern American English as an example.
βΆοΈ Join the session on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
Register and learn more here
β€5
Teachers, hereβs a practical teaching tip you can use to make camp-style activities run smoothly and stay focused on language.
A clear setup helps students know what to do, what to say, and when to switch. With simple modeling, short rounds, and a clear ending, games become effective language practice instead of chaos.
A clear setup helps students know what to do, what to say, and when to switch. With simple modeling, short rounds, and a clear ending, games become effective language practice instead of chaos.
β€10
Teaching English for Academic Writing MOOC is now open!
This free self-paced MOOC will provide participants the opportunity to develop an understanding of the different approaches, types and key components of academic writing courses. π
π Learn more and enroll: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
This free self-paced MOOC will provide participants the opportunity to develop an understanding of the different approaches, types and key components of academic writing courses. π
π Learn more and enroll: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
π₯°6β€5
π΄π¬ Culture Share Saturday: California βοΈπ
This week, we're exploring Californiaβa state known for creativity, innovation, and fascinating history!
π₯ California is the heart of the American film, television, and music industries. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, where movie premieres often feature the famous red carpet, a symbol of glamour and celebration.
π‘ Northern California is famous for technology and innovation. Silicon Valley earned its name from the silicon used to make semiconductors and computer chips. Today, it is home to many of the world's leading technology companies and startups.
π San Francisco's iconic cable car system began operating in 1873. It was the world's first cable-operated street railway and remains the last manually operated cable car system in the world. Even more impressive, San Francisco's cable cars became the first moving National Historic Landmark in the United States!
βοΈ San Francisco's NFL team is called the 49ers because of the thousands of gold miners who rushed to California in 1849 during the California Gold Rush.
π Classroom Activity:
Ask students to match each California landmark or fact (Hollywood, Silicon Valley, San Francisco cable cars, and the 49ers) with a short description.
Then, have them work in pairs to answer: "Which place in California would you most like to visit and why?"
Encourage students to use at least three new vocabulary words from the lesson in their answers.
This week, we're exploring Californiaβa state known for creativity, innovation, and fascinating history!
π₯ California is the heart of the American film, television, and music industries. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, where movie premieres often feature the famous red carpet, a symbol of glamour and celebration.
π‘ Northern California is famous for technology and innovation. Silicon Valley earned its name from the silicon used to make semiconductors and computer chips. Today, it is home to many of the world's leading technology companies and startups.
π San Francisco's iconic cable car system began operating in 1873. It was the world's first cable-operated street railway and remains the last manually operated cable car system in the world. Even more impressive, San Francisco's cable cars became the first moving National Historic Landmark in the United States!
βοΈ San Francisco's NFL team is called the 49ers because of the thousands of gold miners who rushed to California in 1849 during the California Gold Rush.
π Classroom Activity:
Ask students to match each California landmark or fact (Hollywood, Silicon Valley, San Francisco cable cars, and the 49ers) with a short description.
Then, have them work in pairs to answer: "Which place in California would you most like to visit and why?"
Encourage students to use at least three new vocabulary words from the lesson in their answers.
β€6β€βπ₯4π3
π Materials Monday: Explore Alaska with Molodets! βοΈποΈ
Take your students on a journey to Alaska, the largest state in the United States, with Molodets!
Learn more about the traditions and way of life of the Inuit, Indigenous peoples of the Arctic who have adapted to one of the world's most challenging environments.
π Discover more in Molodets Module 11, Unit 5
Take your students on a journey to Alaska, the largest state in the United States, with Molodets!
Learn more about the traditions and way of life of the Inuit, Indigenous peoples of the Arctic who have adapted to one of the world's most challenging environments.
π Discover more in Molodets Module 11, Unit 5
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π Tuesday Teaching Resource β¨
Are you looking for texts your students can actually connect with?
βAmerican Teens Talk!β is a free classroom resource with short readings about everyday life, school, and real experiences. The topics are relatable, which can make it easier for students to understand ideas and engage with the text.
You can use it to:
β’ support reading comprehension
β’ introduce useful, everyday vocabulary
β’ get students talking about real topics
π‘ It is a great option when you want students not just to understand a text, but to connect with it and use the language.
π₯Download the resource
Are you looking for texts your students can actually connect with?
βAmerican Teens Talk!β is a free classroom resource with short readings about everyday life, school, and real experiences. The topics are relatable, which can make it easier for students to understand ideas and engage with the text.
You can use it to:
β’ support reading comprehension
β’ introduce useful, everyday vocabulary
β’ get students talking about real topics
π‘ It is a great option when you want students not just to understand a text, but to connect with it and use the language.
π₯Download the resource
β€10π1
π’ LAST DAY to APPLY! π’
π» Want to create engaging online English courses but not sure where to start?
The RELO Office is excited to offer scholarships for the Fall 2026 course through the Online Professional English Network (OPEN)! This fully funded course is a fantastic chance for you to expand your skills, strengthen your impact, and grow professionally.
Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC), delivered by Arizona State University, will guide you through the entire processβfrom planning and design to implementation and evaluation.
Using the ADDIE instructional design model, you'll learn how to: β Analyze learner needs
β Design engaging online lessons
β Create assessments and learning materials
β Develop an implementation plan
π’ Please share widely! Donβt keep this opportunity a secret β share it with teachers in your networks today!
Apply here: https://forms.gle/E3uq6aTb8uLAQXdE6
Application deadline: July 22
π» Want to create engaging online English courses but not sure where to start?
The RELO Office is excited to offer scholarships for the Fall 2026 course through the Online Professional English Network (OPEN)! This fully funded course is a fantastic chance for you to expand your skills, strengthen your impact, and grow professionally.
Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC), delivered by Arizona State University, will guide you through the entire processβfrom planning and design to implementation and evaluation.
Using the ADDIE instructional design model, you'll learn how to: β Analyze learner needs
β Design engaging online lessons
β Create assessments and learning materials
β Develop an implementation plan
π’ Please share widely! Donβt keep this opportunity a secret β share it with teachers in your networks today!
Apply here: https://forms.gle/E3uq6aTb8uLAQXdE6
Application deadline: July 22
β€10
π§ Teaching Tip Thursday
Once students understand that listening is about meaning, not perfection, the next step is helping them know what to pay attention to.
Encouraging learners to notice stress, intonation, and rhythm helps them follow the message even when the accent sounds unfamiliar. These features often guide listeners to what is important, what is new, and how ideas are connected.
Once students understand that listening is about meaning, not perfection, the next step is helping them know what to pay attention to.
Encouraging learners to notice stress, intonation, and rhythm helps them follow the message even when the accent sounds unfamiliar. These features often guide listeners to what is important, what is new, and how ideas are connected.
β€6
π Vocabulary Friday: Top of your game
Although this idiom comes from the world of sports and is often used to describe an athlete's peak performance, it's also commonly used in everyday English to talk about success at work, school, or any skill.
π¬ Classroom Challenge:
Ask students to think of someone they admireβa sportsperson, musician, scientist, teacher, or even a friendβand complete the sentence:
"I think β¦ is at the top of their game because..."
Encourage students to explain their answers using at least two supporting details.
Although this idiom comes from the world of sports and is often used to describe an athlete's peak performance, it's also commonly used in everyday English to talk about success at work, school, or any skill.
π¬ Classroom Challenge:
Ask students to think of someone they admireβa sportsperson, musician, scientist, teacher, or even a friendβand complete the sentence:
"I think β¦ is at the top of their game because..."
Encourage students to explain their answers using at least two supporting details.
β€7π₯3
π Culture Share Saturday: Discover Alaska! βοΈπποΈ
Did you know Alaska is the largest state in the United States?
Known as "The Last Frontier," Alaska is famous for its breathtaking wilderness, glaciers, mountains, and unique Arctic culture. It is also called "The Great Land" and "The Land of the Midnight Sun" because of its vast landscapes and long summer days.
π One of Alaska's most iconic traditions is dog mushingβa sport and a practical way to travel across snow and ice using a team of sled dogs. Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have relied on sled dogs for transportation, hunting, and carrying supplies for thousands of years. Today, dog mushing is still an important part of Alaskan culture and has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows.
π₯Ύ To stay warm in Alaska's freezing temperatures, people wear mukluksβspecial boots designed for extreme cold. Traditionally made by Indigenous communities, mukluks are both practical and an important part of Arctic heritage.
π Classroom Activity: "Pack for Alaska!"
β’ Ask students to imagine they are traveling to Alaska for one week.
β’ Show pictures of items such as mukluks, a winter coat, gloves, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a sled, and hiking boots.
β’ In pairs, students choose five items they would pack and explain their choices using English:
- I would pack mukluks because it's very cold.
- I wouldn't pack a swimsuit because the weather is freezing.
Extension: Have students create a short travel advertisement encouraging tourists to visit Alaska using at least three new vocabulary words (e.g., wilderness, sled, Arctic, glacier, midnight sun).
Did you know Alaska is the largest state in the United States?
Known as "The Last Frontier," Alaska is famous for its breathtaking wilderness, glaciers, mountains, and unique Arctic culture. It is also called "The Great Land" and "The Land of the Midnight Sun" because of its vast landscapes and long summer days.
π One of Alaska's most iconic traditions is dog mushingβa sport and a practical way to travel across snow and ice using a team of sled dogs. Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have relied on sled dogs for transportation, hunting, and carrying supplies for thousands of years. Today, dog mushing is still an important part of Alaskan culture and has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows.
π₯Ύ To stay warm in Alaska's freezing temperatures, people wear mukluksβspecial boots designed for extreme cold. Traditionally made by Indigenous communities, mukluks are both practical and an important part of Arctic heritage.
π Classroom Activity: "Pack for Alaska!"
β’ Ask students to imagine they are traveling to Alaska for one week.
β’ Show pictures of items such as mukluks, a winter coat, gloves, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a sled, and hiking boots.
β’ In pairs, students choose five items they would pack and explain their choices using English:
- I would pack mukluks because it's very cold.
- I wouldn't pack a swimsuit because the weather is freezing.
Extension: Have students create a short travel advertisement encouraging tourists to visit Alaska using at least three new vocabulary words (e.g., wilderness, sled, Arctic, glacier, midnight sun).
β€7
π Materials Monday: Using Time Capsules to Create History
Looking for a lesson that combines culture, communication, and collaboration?
The lesson plan "This Is Us: Using Time Capsules to Create History" from the Access teacher community invites students to explore American pop culture in the 1990s through the concept of a time capsule before creating one of their own.
Looking for a lesson that combines culture, communication, and collaboration?
The lesson plan "This Is Us: Using Time Capsules to Create History" from the Access teacher community invites students to explore American pop culture in the 1990s through the concept of a time capsule before creating one of their own.
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Tuesday Teaching Activity: Challenge Stations
If youβre looking for a way to keep students active while still focusing clearly on language, this campβstyle activity is definitely worth trying.
Camp Challenge Stations work well because students move through short tasks as a team, but they keep using the same language target at each station.
Clear roles, short rounds, and simple task cards help keep students focused, even in larger or mixedβlevel classes. The repetition feels natural, not forced, and students often start speaking more confidently by the second or third rotation.
If youβre looking for a way to keep students active while still focusing clearly on language, this campβstyle activity is definitely worth trying.
Camp Challenge Stations work well because students move through short tasks as a team, but they keep using the same language target at each station.
Clear roles, short rounds, and simple task cards help keep students focused, even in larger or mixedβlevel classes. The repetition feels natural, not forced, and students often start speaking more confidently by the second or third rotation.
β€8
ποΈ Mark your calendars! ποΈ
Join American English Live Teacher Development Series 25 and explore topics related to teaching American English and life in the United States in celebration of the United Statesβ 250th birthday. π»ππ
FREE professional development webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 15:00 or 20:00 MSK.
βΆοΈ Join the sessions on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
Registered participants can complete a short quiz in Canvas at the end of each webinar to earn a digital badge for participation!
π Register for the series one time using this link
Join American English Live Teacher Development Series 25 and explore topics related to teaching American English and life in the United States in celebration of the United Statesβ 250th birthday. π»ππ
FREE professional development webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 15:00 or 20:00 MSK.
βΆοΈ Join the sessions on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
Registered participants can complete a short quiz in Canvas at the end of each webinar to earn a digital badge for participation!
π Register for the series one time using this link
β4β€1π₯1
π€ Teaching Tip Thursday: Creating AI Classroom Expectations
This Edutopia article shares classroom AI policies developed by teachers, and one message stands out: clear expectations matter more than blanket bans. Teachers are finding success by helping students understand when AI is appropriate, how to use it ethically, and why their own thinking and creativity are still essential.
This Edutopia article shares classroom AI policies developed by teachers, and one message stands out: clear expectations matter more than blanket bans. Teachers are finding success by helping students understand when AI is appropriate, how to use it ethically, and why their own thinking and creativity are still essential.
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