Here’s a 3-period lesson plan for the poem “Song of the Open Road” by Walt Whitman from Std. 12 English (Yuvakbharati). Each period is 40–45 minutes.
🌿 Lesson Plan: Song of the Open Road – Walt Whitman
Class: Std. 12
Subject: English (Yuvakbharati)
Topic: Poem – Song of the Open Road
Total Periods: 3
Poet: Walt Whitman
Teaching Aids: Textbook, audio/video of the poem, blackboard, PPT (optional)
🔶 Period 1: Introduction & First Reading
Objectives:
To introduce the poet and the theme of the poem
To create interest in the idea of freedom and journey
To read and understand the first few lines of the poem
Activities:
1. Warm-up discussion (5 mins)
Ask: “What comes to your mind when you hear the word journey?”
Discuss “life as a journey” and freedom of choice
2. Introduction to Poet (2 mins)
Brief info on Walt Whitman and Leaves of Grass
Mention his democratic spirit and love of nature
3. Reading the Poem (8 mins)
Model reading (teacher)
Students repeat, focus on pronunciation & rhythm
4. Explanation (15 mins)
Stanza-by-stanza paraphrase and explanation
Focus on lines like “Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road…”
5. Glossary (5 mins)
Difficult words explained (e.g. afoot, light-hearted, youthful)
Homework:
Write a short note on the theme of the poem
🔶 Period 2: In-depth Analysis & Appreciation
Objectives:
To analyze the poetic devices and themes
To explore the philosophical message
To appreciate the poem’s structure and style
Activities:
1. Recap of previous class (3 mins)
Students summarize stanza-wise meanings
2. Poetic Devices (15 mins)
Identify: Free verse, symbolism, imagery, metaphor
Example: Open road as metaphor for life
3. Theme & Message (7 mins)
Freedom, optimism, self-reliance, life as a journey
4. Poetry Appreciation (10 mins)
Use appreciation framework (as per textbook):
Title – Poet – Rhyme Scheme – Theme – Figures of Speech – Special Features – Message
5. Group Work (5 mins)
Students form pairs and discuss: “What kind of life does the poet choose?”
Homework:
Write the appreciation of the poem (as per textbook format)
🔶 Period 3: Discussion, Activities & Evaluation
Objectives:
To reinforce understanding through discussion and activity
To assess comprehension
To relate the poem to real-life choices
Activities:
1. Oral Practice (10 mins)
Students read out stanzas with expression
2. Worksheet Activity (15 mins)
MCQs, match the columns, fill in the blanks
Identify poetic devices and figures of speech
3. Discussion Question (10 mins)
“Do you agree with the poet’s idea of freedom and journey? Why?”
4. Evaluation/Short Test (5 mins)
5-question test based on meaning, theme, and poetic devices
Homework:
Write a paragraph: “If life is a road, what road will you take and why?”
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✍️ Assessment:
Class participation
Homework submission
Group discussion involvement
Worksheet and test performance
