Selected Poems of Walt Whitman

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Selected Poems of Walt Whitman

Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School English, ideally 9th or 10th grade.

Subject: Literature

Time Allotment: One class period (approximately 50 minutes)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to identify key characteristics of Walt Whitman's poetic style, including free verse and cataloging.
  • Students will be able to analyze the themes of democracy, individuality, and nature in Whitman's poetry.
  • Students will be able to appreciate the use of sensory imagery in his work.

Materials:

  • Copies of selected poems by Walt Whitman (e.g., "I Hear America Singing," "Song of Myself," "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud")
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Handouts with poem excerpts and discussion questions (optional)

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):
  • Briefly introduce Walt Whitman as a major figure in American poetry and discuss his place in the literary movement of Romanticism.
  • Highlight his innovative style, including the use of free verse (no set meter or rhyme scheme) and cataloging (listing diverse elements).
  1. Poetic Style Analysis (20 minutes):
  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Assign each group a different poem excerpt.
  • Each group analyzes the excerpt, focusing on:

✵ How does Whitman use free verse in this poem?

✵ What effect does it have on the reader?

✵ Identify examples of cataloging. What elements are listed?

✵ How does cataloging contribute to the meaning of the poem?

  1. Theme Exploration (15 minutes):
  • After group analysis, lead a class discussion on the central themes of Whitman's poetry:

✵ Democracy: How does Whitman celebrate the common man and the idea of equality?

✵ Individuality: How does he portray the unique value of each person?

✵ Nature: How does he use nature imagery to convey his ideas?

  1. Sensory Imagery (5 minutes):
  • Briefly discuss the use of sensory details in Whitman's poetry. Ask students to identify specific examples of imagery that appeal to the senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste).
  1. Wrap-Up (5 minutes):
  • Have students share their overall impressions of Whitman's poetry. What did they find most striking or interesting about his style and themes?

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for group analysis by offering guiding questions and a graphic organizer.
  • Allow students to choose a different poem excerpt for analysis based on their interest.
  • Offer alternative ways for students to participate in the discussion, such as drawing a concept map or creating a collage inspired by the poems.

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the historical context of Whitman's work, particularly the Civil War era.
  • Have students write their own short poem in free verse, incorporating elements of cataloging and sensory imagery.
  • Explore different musical interpretations of Whitman's poetry and discuss how music can enhance the meaning of the words.

Assessment:

  • Participation in group discussions
  • Analysis worksheets or graphic organizers (if used)
  • Short exit ticket reflection on a theme or image from the poems