Using Lewis's "Out of the Silent Planet" in the Teaching of English for Second Language Learners

Abstract

In this essay, I present ways to include fiction in the teaching of English as a second language for upper secondary school in Sweden. More specifically, I look at the novel Out of the Silent Planet written by C. S. Lewis and discuss various approaches that the teacher could have when teaching with the book as a basis. I suggest ways to teach using the novel, referring to the Swedish syllabuses and relevant pedagogical literature, with special emphasis on the fundamental values in the curriculum for upper secondary school. Furthermore, I give concrete examples of exercises and discussion topics that could be included when using this novel in a literature project in class. The four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking are the foundation of the activities presented in this essay, and it has been my intention to cover all of them when suggesting ways to teach English with the book as a starting point. The object of this essay is to be a source of inspiration and material for teachers who want to include literature in English teaching. I want to show that including fiction in second language teaching provides a good way of giving the learners valuable knowledge not only about the language itself but also about the fundamental values upon which our society is built.