The importance of using literature in the EFL classroom is indisputable. I have always found it rewarding and enjoyable for students of all ages and levels. It provides authentic material to work on and can be used as a basis for practicing all skills with the appropriate activities. In my experience, kids are always interested in a good story. It keeps them engaged and it breaks their routine. What I am mostly impressed with is their excitement to become writers themselves and write their own “masterpiece” when they are given an unusual, imaginative or even funny writing prompt.
In this post, I am going to give an example of a lesson plan related to books and literature.
Lesson Plan
- Watch this Ted video and discuss the following questions on the importance of reading books:
- Why did Lisa Bu turn to books for guidance?
- Why is she in the habit of reading books in pairs?
- What is the gift she has received from books?
- What is your favorite book? How did you feel reading it?
- Watch this trailer of the film Murder on the Orient Express, released in 2017.
- Do you find it intriguing?
- Does it seem like a good story to read or watch?
- What do you think it is about?
- Read the first chapter of Agatha Christie’s book on which the film was based.
- What happened before the beginning of the novel? Can you guess?
- What will happen next?
- Which of the characters already presented seems most interesting to you? Who is the most mysterious one?
- Make a prediction about who is going to be killed and who is going to kill him or her?
- Judging from its beginning, would you find reading this book interesting?
- Your time to shine as a writer: Choose one of these writing prompts and write a story for us to enjoy! Have fun!
In my experience, students, especially teenagers, are often interested in mystery or science fiction books and can easily be persuaded to work on a specific book throughout a year, setting one or two chapters for homework each month and working on their reading, writing and speaking skills in a fun way!