Teaching Language Arts through Literature: Utilising Imagination Novels

This paper explores the pedagogical value of incorporating literature—specifically
imagination-based novels like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—into English
Language Teaching (ELT), particularly for second-language learners. Tracing the
historical evolution of literature in language instruction, the study highlights the
shifting perceptions of literature's role from the Grammar-Translation Method to the
Communicative Approach. The research emphasizes the importance of selecting ageappropriate and culturally relevant texts to foster linguistic development, cultural
understanding, and student engagement. Special attention is given to the benefits and
challenges of using children’s literature, noting its capacity to present accessible
language structures, cultural contexts, and universal themes. The paper uses Alice’s
Adventures in Wonderland as a case study to demonstrate how linguistic play, cultural
references, and symbolic themes can be harnessed for language acquisition and
critical thinking. Practical strategies for text selection and classroom implementation
are discussed, encouraging educators to adopt literature-rich, student-centered
teaching practices that promote both language proficiency and cultural literacy.