Unit: Romanticism/Transcendentalism

Unit: Romanticism/Transcendentalism Lesson Plan February ____, 2005

From Walden or “Life in the Woods,” P. 207, EOL “Resistance to Civil Government” And read the play – The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

Vocabulary game/review and quiz

Collect homework

Authors: Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson

SOLS/ Objectives:: Have the students discuss how the dramatic elements in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail reflect the theme of Transcendentalism. As they are reading, have the students identify and discuss amy dramatic conventions or devices used by this playwright. (E11.8.2)

Have the students write an essay in which they explain the major ideas and techniques use by the author in these novels. (E 11.5.5)

Have the students maintain an notebook of allusions and new vocabulary definitions throughout the unit and submit it for evaluation. (11.4.1, 11.4.2) Add to the portfolio.

Activities: 1. The students will read from ‘Life in the Woods,’ p. 207, EOL. Then, they will discuss the first sentence in from “Where I lived and What I lived for.” Next, they will continue to read the excerpt. After they finish, have them write in their journals about modern transportation, buildings, improvement, and/or progress; Or, have the students write about the difference between loneliness and being alone. 2. Read Thoreau’s ideas on solitude, pp. 212-213 and respond to his ideas. 3. Have students prepare to read from Civil Government, p. 220, EOL, by discussing the picture of John Brown going to his hanging on p. 220. Have students make predictions. 4. Have the students read the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. As they are reading, ask the students to discuss the stage directions and techniques that are employed by the author. 5. Have the students complete the Critical Thinking packet as they read the play.

Materials: Candy for the vocabulary game. Critical Thinking Packet; Elements of Literature; Walden fim; puzzle pieces; CDs; and notes. Students will place edit pieces in their portfolios.

Evaluation: