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Teaching English through literature

Learn how to engage and develop your learners' English language skills through a range of literature-focused learning activities and related teaching approaches. Enrolment for Teaching English through literature is closed. Find resources connected to the course contents on this page, and sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on when our courses open.

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TeachingEnglish
Engagement
9–12 hours
Start: 01/07/25
End: 30/09/25
Certificate
Workbook
Online community

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Enrolment for Teaching English through literature is closed. Sign up for our newsletter, and we'll keep you updated when enrolment will open next. In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about Teaching English through literature, you can view helpful resources here.

How will the course help you?

By the end of Teaching English through literature, you'll be able to:

  • identify how literary texts can be used to present language and develop reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in an engaging way
  • use literature to develop your learners' reading and listening (receptive) skills
  • use literature to develop your learners' speaking and writing (productive) skills.

What resources can you access any time?

  • A free workbook with extra learning content and resources connected to the course contents
  • A dedicated Facebook community of course participants with up-to-date insight, resources and innovative teaching ideas for you to try out (Facebook account required)
  • Learning content related to our courses on Facebook and YouTube
  • Live events and recordings with course tutors and language teaching experts on Facebook and YouTube
  • Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on when our courses open.

What are the self-study modules?

Module 1 – Foundations of teaching English through literature

The aim of this module is to demonstrate how literary texts can be used to present language and develop reading, listening, writing and speaking, while keeping learners actively engaged and motivated. You will recognise the role of literature in life and in learning a language, apply criteria for selecting appropriate literary texts as well as identify how different language skills are developed through using literature in English classes.

Module 2 – Developing receptive skills through literature

The aim of this module is to demonstrate how to exploit literature to develop receptive skills. In terms of language development, reading and listening are termed as receptive skills, as these processes involve the act of receiving the language. You will recognise the role of literature in developing receptive skills, evaluate how literary texts provide appropriate opportunities to develop listening skills as well as use a list of factors to select appropriate texts for your learners.

Module 3 – Developing productive skills through literature

The aim of this module is to enable you to help learners develop the productive skills of speaking and writing through literary texts. The module includes a wide range of activities to help you enhance your learners' language skills. You will identify different aspects of speaking for responding to literature, use graphic organisers as a strategy for planning writing as well as structure a literature lesson that integrates reading, listening, speaking and writing skills.

Course reviews

What have other teachers said about how Teaching English through literature helped them?

"I introduced some of the literary texts studied on this course to some students and applied the techniques that we learnt as well. For example, pre-reading and post-reading activities or activities to develop critical thinking about the texts. I'm also trying to do some integrated skill activities when approaching a literay text."

Course participant, Brazil

"Taking up this course has strengthened my knowledge that indeed literature can best serve as channel for language learning and teaching."

Course participant, Philippines

"Thanks to this course, I can listen to my students and their preferences about literature, I provide them cultural background before starting each lesson, I guide them, provide them with visual support and help them to guess, identify and anticipate what the stories would be about. They feel more confident when reading stories because their needs are covered."

Course participant, Argentina

Do you have more questions?

Please see our FAQs or access further support through our Help button.

Downloads
File attachments
Teaching English through literature workbook 20253.25 MB
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Comments

Hi Ranaragy

Thanks for your message.

Unfortunately this course is now closed - all of our courses are only available for a limited period. You can check all of our upcoming courses on our courses calendar here: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/2025-08/2025-2026_TeachingEnglish_training_course_calendar_links.pdf

All course dates are published on the course page. In the meantime, you can download the course workbook above - this has lots of links and resources about the topic.

Hope you find this useful.

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by janelmarais on Fri, 10/03/2025 - 20:50

I registered but then got hospitalised for three months, I am also interested in this course. please let me know when you will have it available again!

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/06/2025 - 06:38

Hi janelmarais,

Thanks for your message and sorry to hear you have been in hospital..

Unfortunately this course is now closed - all of our courses are only available for a limited period. You can check all of our upcoming courses on our courses calendar here: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/2025-08/2025-2026_TeachingEnglish_training_course_calendar_links.pdf Soon we will have our calendar for the next year (starting March 2026), but we do not have course dates confirmed yet.

All course dates are published on the course page. In the meantime, you can download the course workbook above - this has lots of links and resources about the topic.

Hope you find this useful.

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by mccallumz on Thu, 08/21/2025 - 00:35

Hi,

I'm studying for my TEFL qualification and this course sounds fantastic. I'm just wondering whether it is necessary to be currently teaching to complete the course? Is there any part of the course that requires you to practise what you are learning with students?

Thanks,
Zac

Hi Zac,

Thanks for your question and interest in the course. You don't need to be teaching currently to be a participant on the course so you can definitely join while you're studying for your TEFL qualification. Hopefully, the course will give you plenty of practical ideas and techniques for incorporating literature into your teaching when you do start.

Good luck with your TEFL course and let us know if you have any further questions.

Jenny

TE team

Submitted by dunja.lesic on Sun, 08/17/2025 - 15:11

Dear Madam/Sir

after completetig this free course, do we get some (PDF) confirmation of attendance ? Thank you in advance

Hi Dunja.lesic,

Yes, after successfully completing all the self-study modules on the course, you will receive a certificate of achievement, which you can use as confirmation of attendance.

Submitted by Arshad44000 on Thu, 07/24/2025 - 06:47

I got myself enrolled in Teaching Language through Literature today i.e. July 24, 2025. Is it possible to start this course now?

Hi

Yes - this course is now open! Once you are enrolled on the course, you can access the modules by logging in to your TeachingEnglish account, clicking on the 'My portfolio - my courses' tab - you will see the course there and you can start working through the modules.

I hope this helps - if you are having any problems accessing the course, please let us know.

Enjoy the course!

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by Joanna Altena on Sat, 06/21/2025 - 11:07

I have enrolled to the course and I can´t see it anywhere.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 06/23/2025 - 13:50

Hi Joanna

Thanks for your message. You have successfully enrolled in the course. The course starts on 1 July, so at the moment it appears under the 'closed' courses tab. Once the course starts it will appear in 'My courses' along with all the other courses you are currently doing.

Hope that helps - Enjoy the course :)

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by Mujeeb1122 on Sat, 11/16/2024 - 03:50

Can you tell me how to start the course plz.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:46

Hi Mujeeb1122

This course is now closed I'm afraid. You can still download the course workbook above, which has lots of resources and links related to the course.

You can see which courses are currently available and coming up with our course calendar here: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/2024-04/Training_courses_2024-25_calendar.pdf

You can also sign up for our newsletter to keep up-to-date with our latest courses, events and resources: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/subscribe-our-newsletter

Hope that helps,

Thanks

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

 

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 01/20/2025 - 09:29

Hello

Thanks for your comment. We don't currently have a date for when this course will next run, I'm afraid. Remember you can sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on all our latest resources, events and training courses. You can sign up here:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/subscribe-our-newsletter

Thanks,

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by LOIDZ on Thu, 10/05/2023 - 10:14

Hello technical team, I am still working on module 3 but I cannot access anymore. What to do please...

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Fri, 10/06/2023 - 08:47

Hi LOIDZ

I'm afraid this course has now closed. All of our free courses are only available for a limited time - the course dates are published on the enrollment page for each course and once the deadline has passed, it's not possible to access the content. We hope to run this course again in 2024/2025. In the meantime you can still download the participant workbook here: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/2023-08/Workbook_for_teaching_English_through_literature.pdf

You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive updates on all our latest training courses, resources and live events here: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/subscribe-our-newsletter

Thanks,

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by Nind Lal on Thu, 10/05/2023 - 05:23

Hello. I finished all given tasks and module and also downloaded worksheets. But still it shows 80% progress. I'm not able to download the certificate

Hi Nind

Thanks for your comment. Can you report this to the courses team directly? You can do this by using the orange "help" button on the courses page. They should be able to help resolve this issue.

Thanks,
Cath
TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by tatianagomezortiz on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 21:39

Hello, I am not able to enter into the course anymore. Help me!!

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Wed, 10/04/2023 - 09:20

Hi Tatianagomezortiz

This course has now ended. If you were already enrolled, you should have until the end of 4th October to complete the modules.

We hope to run the course again in the future.

Thanks,
Cath
TeachingEnglish team

Hi KByng

I'm afraid once the course deadline has passed it is not possible to extend the course. You should have access until the end of 4th October to complete the modules. We also hope to run the course again in the future.

Best wishes,
Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by Maria2694 on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 20:34

Hi, could you help me please I can't no see my course, in addition I don't have menu button or MY PORTAFOLIO button. I need to continue.

Hi Maria2694

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

 

Hi Salma

I've just checked your account and can see that you are enrolled and have access to the course. The deadline for completion is today (2nd October), so I hope you will have time to complete the modules.

Thanks,
Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by Idalidis González on Sun, 10/01/2023 - 02:33

Hi!

I haven´t been able to access the course today in order to complete it because the system isn´t letting me. I really want to finish the course.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:06

Hi Idalidis

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Submitted by NKEACK GENEVIE… on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 21:09

I can't get access to the course" teaching English through literature" i triés several Times to no avail.
I can't see " M'y learning" nor "M'y portfolio" so i Can get to the course
Please, help me take this course for the few days left

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:04

Hi NKEACK

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Submitted by PatriziaM on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 17:35

HI! I have just two parts of Module 3 to finish but cannot access it.
Could you kindly send me the direct link or tell me what I should do to complete the course?
I would be glad if you answered me soon.
Best regards,
Patrizia Mel

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:03

Hi PatriziaM

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Submitted by Vuchasel on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 07:20

I started the course, but I can't get access to it now. I can't also find my portfolio on my homepage

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:00

Hi Vuchasel,

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Submitted by Julyca on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 03:15

Hello,
I have already enrolled in this course, however, I cannot access. I can not find "my portfolio" or "my courses"on the menu bar. I would be grateful if you could help me, please.
Kind regards.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 09:40

Hi Julyca

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Hi DanielaVM

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Hi Bakhtawar

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Hi gloliveira

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Submitted by Gerold Toribio on Fri, 09/29/2023 - 12:06

I can't access the modules. I need to take the training course as it is a requirement for my Academic completion. Hoping the issue is resolved.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 09:33

Hi Gerold

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

Submitted by maritesaoz94 on Fri, 09/29/2023 - 11:36

Hi, I cant access the course "Teaching English Through Literature"

Kindly help. I believe it will close October 02, 2023

Hi maritesaoz94

Sorry you have been having problems, we are experiencing ongoing technical issues which we are working hard to resolve. I can confirm that I have restored your access to the courses platform so you should be able to access your training now through the MY PORTFOLIO - My courses tab. Please send us an e-mail to TeachingEnglish@britishcouncil.org if you are still having problems.

Thanks,
Cath
TeahingEnglish team

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