Using Literature in the Language Classroom

Whereas Chapter 3 aimed to extend the literary repertoire, this section focuses on using literature in the language classroom. Here we deal first with principles for an integrated approach to using literature to learn/teach language (the L3 approach). This is followed by an example of a possible lesson or lesson model for each of the 12 genres included in this book. As the term suggests, an integrated lessonIntegrated lessons integrates the skills (readingReading, writingWriting, listeningListening, speakingSpeaking) and the language awareness (vocabularyVocabulary, pronunciationPronunciation, grammarGrammar, comprehensionComprehension) which are essential to language development. As a bonus, if students are given the opportunity to present literature reviews and/or integrated lessonsIntegrated lessons of their own to their classmates, this can provide an invaluable opportunity for also developing presentation skills.