Words Without Borders is a brand-new free resource filled with international texts, accompanying multi-media, and lesson plan ideas (you have to register to access the “Educators Page” to access those teaching ideas, but it’s free and easy).

Here’s how they describe themselves:

The resource makes contemporary international literature in translation accessible for classroom study. Each piece of literature is paired with a virtual toolbox of multimedia materials that help students to engage with a text and educators to teach it. Through exposure to contemporary stories from around the world, WWB aims to inspire students to become readers of international literature and global citizens.

“WWB Campus sets out to broaden the horizons of U.S. students, enriching their education in literature, culture, and foreign affairs all simultaneously,” said Alane Salierno Mason, founder and president of WWB. “This is the natural next step for an organization founded to help foster international communication through literature, and it couldn’t be more timely.”

The site launches with units of writing by 66 authors from China, Egypt, Russia, Mexico, and Japan, including pieces by prominent writers such as Nobel Prize winner Svetlana Alexievich, J-pop singer-turned-author Mieko Kawakami, Bedouin chronicler Miral Al-Tahawy, novelist and frequent New York Times contributor Yu Hua, avant-garde Chinese writer and critic Can Xue, and the “godfather of Egyptian graphic novelists,” Magdy El Shafee.

The texts are organized into globe-spanning themes like leaving home, love stories, mothers, and revolution. Contextual materials for each piece of literature include glossaries, author and translator interviews, music, and further reading.

I’m adding it to The Best Places To Find Free (And Good) Lesson Plans On The Internet.

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