The Standby Book: Activities for the Language Classroom (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers) [Paperback]

Seth Lindstromberg (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0521558603 | ISBN-13: 978-0521558600

The Standby Book is an anthology of more than 120 language learning activities contributed by 33 teachers. It includes complete lesson suggestions; activities which can be used to build complete lessons; suggestions for variations and extensions of the activities; example texts and photocopiable handouts. There are activities for conversation practice; vocabulary learning; reading; writing; fluency practice; warming up and changing pace; team building; confidence building; revision and for fun. The Standby Book has been compiled as a support for teachers who teach young adults and adults on General English courses, groups of business and professional people, students of English for Academic Purposes, Literature or those following exam preparation courses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'As with a cookbook, you are free to choose your favourite recipe from this collection - and to create new ones from them. In any case, The Standby Book is a 'cookbook' I would not like to be without, and I expect its covers will soon show the traces of its constant use.' MET, Volume 7, number 4, 1998

'This anthology contains some 110 language learning activities compiled by 33 teachers from more than a dozen countries and teaching backgrounds, many of them contributors to Pilgrims summer schools in Canterbury. This is in itself a remarkable feat and a guarantee of pluriform approach. It is also the newest publication in the well-known and highly valued series of Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers.' 'While reading and browsing through the book I found many activities appealing and promising especially those requiring little or no materials.' VVLE Newsletter, Belgium, 1997

'At first glance this book looks remarkably similar to other favourites, but on closer inspection it noticeably covers a much wider spectrum of ideas and approaches.' 'With its clear presentation of simple and flexible ideas, this valuable resource book is especially recommended to those travelling light to far-flung areas of the globe, who want a lot of ideas 'under one roof'.' English Teaching Professional, 1998

'The Standby Book would be a welcome addition to any ESL staffroom reference library. It is thorough in its approach and clear in its objectives. While many of the concepts are not new to ESL, a lot of the classroom ideas are.' EA Journal, Vol 16, Australia, 1998

'The book's humanistic approach provides an eclectic anthology of activities, designed to encourage students to read, write, listen and speak. It also contributes opportunities for students to find out about each other, and build learners' confidence.' Issues, 1998

Book Description

A rich resource for teachers of general English courses, groups of business and professional people and students of English for academic purposes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521558603
• ISBN-13: 978-0521558600
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent anthology of 110 activities for the EFL classroom., March 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Standby Book: Activities for the Language Classroom (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers) (Hardcover)

33 experienced and creative EFL teachers from around the world have contributed to this anthology that contains most valuable teaching ideas for many areas of EFL, e.g. warm-ups, vocabulary, communicative activities, working with a coursebook in a different way, using magazines/newspapers/literature. Most activities are intended for use in classes of intermediate or advanced learners of English, but some (such as the 'warm-ups') are suitable for lower levels as well. In general, the activities involve students in pairwork or group work and challenge them to be 'active' and 'creative'. Each activity is described briefly, but clearly; information about level of students, time required, focus, material needed and, above all, procedure is always given in a concise and helpful way. The activities are grouped under twelve different subject headings; moreover, an index at the end of the book makes it easy for you to find the activity you may need for tomorrow's lesson (or for developing a whole series of activities).
This is a book full of ideas that can serve as inspirations to teachers who want to create(or maintain) a lively and 'interactive' EFL or ESL classroom.