[laowai]

These three blogs are updated 4-6 times daily. They are about current topics - business/culture/education/entertainment and such in Asia - China, Japan, Korea...and education in the US- college/dormitory/cafeteria rankings and education news and such.

They are short, current and appropriate for high beginner to advanced students and serve as excellent class starters/fillers.

They are also FREE....the guy just likes writing about Asia and education - having according to his bio lived in Asia for almost 20 years.

PanAsianBiz

RisingSunOfNihon

TheBizOfKnowledge

Give it a try...the guy welcomes feedback and ideas for topics.

[Eric18]

Consider me impressed with the speed and frequency of news and current event lesson activities.

For worse or for better, I've found sticking to contemporary topics with a "timeless" twist far easier. For example, in the United States, you can count on some terrible crime occurring during a school year. I just xerox the chapter "Crime and Punishment" from my book Compelling Conversations for that day. The lesson combines both questions and quotations, gently encouraging students to reflect upon the latest news. Some contemporary topics seem perennial, but you have found an outstanding way to be in the moment. Very nice.

We are truly blessed to teach English in the 21st century!