LitSIG - Last but not lost: Picture books with purpose - Authentic literature and multimedia for greener classrooms

This presentation will explore how authentic literature and multimodal approaches can be leveraged to foster environmental awareness and language development in the EFL classroom, with a focus on protecting endangered species. Using Nicola Davies’ picture book Last as a central resource, I will show how authentic texts will provide rich, meaningful language input and spark emotional engagement, making complex topics like conservation and biodiversity accessible and relevant to learners of all ages and proficiency levels.

I will discuss the benefits of integrating authentic literature for vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and critical thinking, alongside the power of narrative to inspire empathy and global citizenship. The session will highlight multimodal strategies - combining text, imagery, audio, and interactive activities - to cater to diverse learning styles and deepen understanding. Practical classroom activities will be shared, including role-play, digital storytelling, debates, and creative projects, all designed to empower students to use English purposefully while reflecting on the urgent need to protect endangered species. Participants will leave with adaptable ideas to create greener, more engaging language lessons that connect students to real-world issues and inspire positive action.

Speaker:

Annie Altamirano

Annie graduated from teacher training college with a first-class degree in teaching English as a Foreign Language in Argentina and holds an MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics from the University of London. She has given teacher-training workshops in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Her latest published work includes Cambridge Global English Teacher’s Resource, 2nd ed., published by Cambridge University Press. For many years she served as Cambridge English Speaking Examiner and as a Cambridge English Language Assessment presenter. She is currently part of the Cambridge Teacher Support Service Team of mentors and the Vice-president of TESOL-SPAIN.

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