Teacher Resources
Hold Your Tongue is a small volume of fictional short stories aimed at adolescents and adults. The stories are weird, intriguing, unexpected and surprising.
Their subject matter ranges over many contemporary issues that affect both teenagers and adults, based around moral and philosophical precepts and their contesting viewpoints, (but set in very contemporary situations).
The themes in Hold Your Tongue vary from dealing with grief, discrimination, identity, actions and consequences, bullying, family issues, mental illness, the impact of technology, art, friendship and love. As the title suggests, the stories often conclude in a most unexpected and surprising way, with a twist.
Glenden incorporates aspects of philosophy into the stories, and has tailored them in order to teach literature, analysis, creative writing, critical thinking, moral philosophy and personal wellbeing.
The stories are currently being used in a variety of secondary schools. As a result of this, Glenden has been involved in various talks for audiences ranging from Year 7 through to Year 12. The stories have also been particularly successful in alternative schools, for disengaged adolescents. Glenden has been a guest speaker in these environments as well.
All resources for teaching and learning have been produced through Sportahouse Publishing with contributions from experienced educators. Our teachers have developed and trialled a range of units of work, study guides and differentiated resources for you to use in the classroom with Hold Your Tongue. The above units for English, Literacy and Literature have been developed by Christopher Powell to develop skills in reading, analysis, vocabulary and writing. The units for Philosophy, Mindfulness and Personal Wellbeing introduce students to past philosophers and give students strategies in critical thinking, mindfulness, making moral decisions and reflecting on society and the self.
These units are easily adapted for current educational initiatives and assessment.
Engage with our author
Glenden is a passionate educator and storyteller. We can arrange a video, zoom or a visit.
Please contact us if you wish to organise something for you and your students.
Aaron (Student)
“Glenden spoke at our school. He was a captivating and energetic speaker who told us stories and related them to our lives.”
English Teacher