Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Subject: English Literature, Environmental Studies, Philosophy (can be adapted)

Grade Level: 11-12 (due to complexity and philosophical themes)

Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze the themes of simplicity, self-reliance, and living in harmony with nature.
Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Thoreau, such as symbolism, transcendentalism, and nature imagery.
Students will be able to evaluate Thoreau's experiment at Walden Pond and its critique of materialism and consumerism.
Students will be able to discuss the concept of civil disobedience and Thoreau's arguments against slavery and an unjust government.
Students will be able to analyze "Walden" within the context of Transcendentalism and its influence on American literature.

Materials:

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and Transcendentalism

Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about living simply and its potential benefits. Discuss the concept of nature and its role in human life.
Thoreau and Transcendentalism: Introduce Henry David Thoreau as a prominent figure in American Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement emphasizing intuition, self-reliance, and the importance of nature.

Weeks 2-3: Nature and Simplicity

Reading and Analyzing: Divide "Walden" into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on Thoreau's descriptions of nature, his daily routines at Walden Pond, and his critique of materialism.
Nature Imagery: Analyze Thoreau's use of vivid nature imagery and how it reflects his connection to the natural world. Consider images or videos depicting nature (optional).
Simple Living: Discuss Thoreau's experiment in simple living and its message about self-sufficiency. How does his lifestyle challenge societal norms and consumerism?

Weeks 4-5: Society and Civil Disobedience

Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze Thoreau's relationship with society and his critiques of government and social injustice. Consider his views on slavery and his act of civil disobedience.
Walden Pond as a Microcosm: Discuss how Walden Pond functions as a microcosm of society and how Thoreau's experiment reflects his views on living authentically.
Transcendentalist Philosophy: Analyze the influence of Transcendentalism on Thoreau's writing. How do his ideas about self-reliance, individualism, and the interconnectedness of nature connect to this philosophical movement?

Week 6 (Optional):

Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a journal entry from Thoreau's perspective reflecting on a specific experience at Walden Pond, creating a nature collage inspired by Thoreau's descriptions, or writing a persuasive essay promoting the benefits of spending time in nature.
Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme or literary device in "Walden" and its significance. The essay should consider Thoreau's use of nature imagery, Transcendentalist philosophy, and his critique of society to support their analysis.

Differentiation:

Provide pre-reading activities, chapter summaries, or audiobooks for struggling readers.
Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching the history of Transcendentalism or comparing "Walden" with other works of nature writing.
Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., kinesthetic learners can participate in a nature walk activity and write a reflection piece)

Assessment:

Extension Activities:

Students can research the concept of civil disobedience and its role in social change movements.
Students can explore the environmental philosophy of Transcendentalism and its lasting impact on environmental movements.
Students can create a plan for incorporating more simplicity and connection with nature into their own lives.