Lesson Plan: Song of the Open Road – Walt Whitman

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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

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