This session will offer a new and different approach to teaching the traditional type of American culture seminar class. Attendees will be able to take away simple and creative ways to implement this approach in their own programs.

1. MinniTESOL Conference 2015
Bloomington, MN
Presenter: Lindsey Simanowitz
University of Central Missouri

2. • What kind of objectives/student learning outcomes are
there?
• What kind of activities/planning is involved?
• What is my budget?
• Is there a textbook?
• What should be covered in a Fall semester American
Culture Class?

3. • SLO 1 Students will participate and lead various IEP
activities that focus on particular aspects of American
culture. 50%
• SLO 2 Students will investigate the perceptions of
Americans regarding American culture. 25%
• SLO 3 Students will examine and reflect on significant
historical events, beliefs, and current practices involved
in American culture. 25%

4. • Halloween
• Trick or Treating
• *Pumpkin Carving (contest with UCM BSU group)
• Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Meal (decorations/food/location)
• *Thanksgiving Meal (photo booth with props)
• *Pardoning of the Turkey
• Christmas
• Christmas Lights
• *Gingerbread Houses
• Other:
• Ice Skating
• *Caramel Apples Decorating/Apple Orchard
• Balloon Festivals/Corn Maze

5. • St. Patrick’s Day
• Easter
• egg hunt in the local park
• Baseball Game
• Royals/T-Bones

6. • What is American Culture?
• What are the values Americans live by?

7. • 1950s-2000s: A New Decade Each Week
• Entertainment (Popular Music, Movies, and Television Shows)
• Style/Fashion (Clothing and Hair Trends for Men and Women)
• Food/Drink
• Costs of Living
• SLO Assignments
• Activities and Reflections SLO1/Interviews SLO2/Blackboard
Discussions SLO3
• Utilizing YouTube Videos of Past Newsworthy Events
• Session Activities
• IEP Olympics/KC Nelson Atkins Museum & BBQ Activity
• *Etiquette Dinner/KC Group Poster Presentations and Decades
Food Party

14. • 1970s-1980s
• Entertainment
• Fashion
• Cost of Living

15. • Atari Game
• Lite Brite
• Magic 8 Ball
• Spirograph
• Hand Held Games

18. • Cabbage Patch Kids
• Care Bears
• Viewmaster
• Nintendo

19. • Jellies
• Bright Colors
• Suit Jackets
• Leggings
• High-waisted pants

21. • Spring Semester Thoughts:
• Overall positive response from students.
• Students enjoyed food decade party the most.
• Thoughts for the Future:
• Refine information presented to the class
• Align activities to corresponding decade

22. • American Musicals
• 4th of July Events
• Drive-In Movie Theaters
• Camping
• Additional Summer Past-Times

23. • Conversation Group with local community members
• Patriotism/Military
• State History

24. Thank you!