Glossary:

Word/Phrase Meaning

Dismal – Gloomy or depressing
Lark -A carefree or spirited adventure
Hearthrug -A rug placed in front of a fireplace
Prim -Very proper and formal in behavior
Graciously -Kindly and politely
Parlour -A sitting room in a house
Amiably -In a friendly and pleasant manner
Melancholy -A deep, long-lasting sadness
Curtsy -A respectful bow by bending the knees (done by women/girls)
Chattered -Talked quickly about unimportant things

💡 Character Sketch:

Jo March: Bold, talkative, friendly, spontaneous, and independent-minded.

Laurie (Theodore Laurence): Gentle, shy, well-mannered, and eager for company.

Long Summary: Being Neighborly

By Louisa May Alcott

“Being Neighborly” is an excerpt from the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This chapter highlights a charming moment between Jo March, one of the four March sisters, and her reclusive neighbor, Theodore Laurence, commonly called Laurie.

The story begins with Jo feeling restless and looking out of her window. She notices that Laurie, the boy next door, is sitting alone indoors. She senses that he is lonely, perhaps because he is confined due to illness and has no young companions. Unlike others who hesitate to approach the wealthy Laurence family, Jo is naturally friendly and bold. She decides to visit Laurie, taking with her a little offering—a gift of kindness in the form of companionship.

As Jo arrives at the grand Laurence mansion, she is shown in by a servant. Laurie is surprised but genuinely delighted to see her. At first, there’s a bit of awkwardness due to the formal atmosphere of the house, but Jo, being her natural self, quickly eases the situation. She talks openly, makes Laurie laugh, and soon they are having a lively conversation.

Jo and Laurie discuss various topics—his illness, books, music, and their families. Laurie opens up about missing the company of young people and being raised mostly by his grandfather. He is glad to find someone like Jo who treats him as an equal and speaks freely. Jo, in turn, appreciates Laurie’s politeness and sensitivity. Their conversation is genuine, filled with warmth and mutual interest.

During the visit, Jo also meets Mr. Laurence, Laurie’s grandfather, who observes her interaction with his grandson. He is touched by Jo’s sincerity and thanks her for being so kind to Laurie. Jo’s fear of the old man melts away when she sees his gentler side.

By the end of the visit, Jo and Laurie have formed a strong friendship. Jo promises to come again, and Laurie expresses his happiness at finally having a true friend. The story closes on a hopeful note, emphasizing that acts of kindness and friendliness can build lasting connections.

Themes and Message:

• The story promotes kindness, initiative, and social courage.
• It reflects how breaking social barriers can lead to beautiful friendships.
• It shows the importance of reaching out and being neighborly, especially when someone feels lonely.

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?”



—

✍️ Assessment:

Class participation

Homework submission

Group discussion involvement

Worksheet and test performance

Here is a comprehensive Annual Academic Plan for Std 11 and Std 12 English (Yuvakbharati) as per the Maharashtra State Board curriculum. It includes monthly distribution, focus areas, and suggested activities.



📘 Annual Plan – Std 11 & 12 English (Yuvakbharati)

Academic Year: 2025-26
Duration: June to February (9 months)
Total Teaching Hours per Week: 4 to 5 periods

📅 MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION

Month Lessons / Topics

June – 1.1 An Astrologer’s Day 

1.2 On Saying “Please”  

Grammar Introduction

July – 1.3 The Cop and the Anthem

1.4 Big Data – Big Insights  

2.1 Song of the Open Road

August – 1.5 The New Dress

2.2 Indian Weavers

2.3 The Inchcape Rock

3.1 Summary Writing

September – 1.6 Into the Wild

2.4 Have You Earned Your Tomorrow

3.2 Mind Mapping

3.3 Note-Making

October – 1.7 Why We Travel

2.5 Father Returning Home

2.6 Money

3.4 Statement of Purpose

November – 1.8 Voyaging Towards Excellence  2.7 She Walks in Beauty 

2.8 Small Towns and Rivers

3.5 Virtual Message

December – 4.1 History of Novel 

4.2 To Sir, With Love

3.6 Group Discussion

Revision of Grammar & Writing

January – 4.3 Around the World in Eighty Days 

4.4 The Sign of Four 

Practice Tests / Prelim Exams 

Oral Exam Practice




📝 Assessment Plan

Unit Tests – Monthly (2 Lessons + Grammar)

First Term Exam – September

Prelim Exam (12th) – January

Annual Exam (11th) – February

Orals / Speaking Test – November/December





🎯 Key Skill Focus Areas

Skill Area Activities

Listening Audio lessons, announcements, instructions
Speaking Group discussions, conversation practice
Reading Comprehension, unseen passages
Writing Formal & Informal letters, essays, dialogue
Grammar Weekly drills and worksheets




📚 Enrichment Activities

Poster Making (Social Issues / Literary Themes)

Elocution / Speech Competitions

English Day Celebrations

Creative Writing – Poems, Stories

Peer Learning Sessions

📘 Annual Plan – Std 11 English (Yuvakbharati)

Duration: July 15 to April
Textbook-Based Planning (Maharashtra Board)



📅 MONTH-WISE DISTRIBUTION

Month Portions / Topics

July – 1.1 Being Neighborly (Louisa May Alcott) 

1.2 On To The Summit (Tenzing Norgay)

August – 1.3 The Call of the Soil

2.1 Cherry Tree

3.1 Expansion of Ideas 

Grammar: Tenses, Articles

September – 1.4 Pillars of Democracy (Dr. Ambedkar)

2.2 The Sower

2.3 There is Another Sky

3.2 Blog Writing

October – 1.5 Mrs. Adis

2.4 Upon Westminster Bridge

3.3 E-mails

3.4 Interview (J. Krishnamurti)

November – 1.6 Tiger Hills (Gen. Ved Prakash Malik)

2.5 Nose versus Eyes

3.5 Film Review

Grammar Revision

December – 2.6 The Planners

3.6 The Art of Compering

4.1 History of English Drama 

Writing Practice

January – 4.2 The Rising of the Moon (Lady Gregory)

4.3 Extracts from Drama:

  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream

   • An Enemy of the People 

Grammar & Test Preparation

February – Practice Test

Group Discussion & Activities

Listening and Speaking Test Practice

March – Revision of all Writing Skills 

Final Grammar Reinforcement 

Oral Exams
April – Final Exam Preparation

Annual Examination