Great Works of Literature to Inspire Your Teaching with Chris Starling

Great Works of Literature to Inspire Your Teaching with Chris Starling

Author: TESOL Pop April 9, 2024 Duration: 14:14
TESOL Pop
EducationHow ToSelf ImprovementTechnology

Retired teacher Chris Starling shares a few of his favourite works of literature that inspired him as a linguaphile and educator. We hope Chris' book list inspires you to continue the conversation by sharing your favourite titles with your teaching community and in the comments section on the TESOL Pop website.


KEY TALKING POINTS


Discussion of "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion:

  • "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" is a collection of 1960s journalism by Joan Didion, offering a critical look at the counterculture movement.
  • Chris appreciates Didion's style and personal approach to journalism, which invites readers into her world and provides insightful commentary.
  • Favourite quote: "This is the California where it is possible to live and die without ever eating an artichoke…"


Discussion of "Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels:

  • Chris describes "Fugitive Pieces" as a powerful exploration of memory, personal history, and self-construction set against the backdrop of the Holocaust.
  • He praises Anne Michaels' poetic writing style and the depth of insight each reading offers.
  • Favorite quote: "The past is never dead, it's never even past."


Discussion of "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens:

  • Chris highlights Charles Dickens' storytelling prowess in "Bleak House," emphasising its intricate plot and rich character development.
  • He discusses Dickens' use of symbolism, particularly the fog, to represent societal issues and interconnectedness.
  • Favourite quote: "Fog everywhere... Fog in the eyes and throats of ancient Greenwich pensioners."


ABOUT

Chris qualified as a librarian and then as a teacher of English, careers he followed with pleasure for over 30 years although he was drawn away from the librarianship side quite early. His longest service, over 20 years, was in a school where the students had over sixty home languages.


REFERENCES

  1. Didion, J. (1968) Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  2. Michaels, A. (1996) Fugitive Pieces. McClelland & Stewart Ltd.
  3. Dickens, C. (1852-1853) Bleak House. Bradbury & Evans


Links to later editions of these title can be found on the TESOL Pop website.


TRANSCRIPT

Watch with closed captions.


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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our charming guest, Chris Starling.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Ever feel like the best teaching ideas come from a quick chat in the staffroom, but your schedule never allows for it? TESOL Pop captures that spark. Designed for the busy English language teacher, this mini podcast delivers compact, meaningful conversations with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators globally. Each episode is a focused interview, kept under fifteen minutes, packed with practical ideas and personal insights that can genuinely shift your approach in the classroom. You’ll hear stories about career pivots, reflections on what actually works with students, and clever uses of technology, all shared in a casual, accessible tone. It’s the audio equivalent of a refreshing coffee break with a colleague who gets it. The podcast understands that profound professional development doesn’t always require a lengthy seminar; sometimes, a single, well-timed insight is enough to reinvigorate your teaching. By tuning in, you join a global conversation that feels both personal and immediately useful, making it easy to integrate new perspectives into your daily routine without overwhelming your calendar.
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