### Lesson Plan: Literature in English - Senior Secondary 2
#### Topic: Reading and Analyzing Non-African Poetry: "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
##### 1. Lesson Overview
**Date:** [Insert Date]
**Duration:** 80 minutes (2 periods)
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Literature in English
**Topic:** "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
**Sub-Topic:** Poet’s Background / Analysis
##### 2. Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand and discuss the background and life of Alfred Lord Tennyson.
2. Analyze the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Crossing the Bar."
3. Interpret the poem and express personal responses to its themes.
4. Develop skills in critical thinking and textual analysis.
##### 3. Materials Needed
- Text of the poem "Crossing the Bar"
- Biographical handout on Alfred Lord Tennyson
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if available)
- Student notebooks and pens
##### 4. Lesson Structure
**Part 1: Introduction (10 minutes)**
- **Greeting and Introduction to the Lesson:**
- Greet the students and give a brief introduction to the topic of studying non-African poetry.
- State the learning objectives for the lesson.
**Part 2: Poet’s Background (15 minutes)**
- **Biography of Alfred Lord Tennyson:**
- Provide a brief overview of Tennyson's life, including his early life, major works, and his place in Victorian literature.
- Highlight key events and influences in his life that shaped his poetry.
- **Discussion:**
- Engage the students by asking them what they know about Victorian England and its impact on literature.
- Relate Tennyson's works to broader historical and cultural contexts.
**Part 3: Reading the Poem (15 minutes)**
- **First Reading:**
- Project or distribute copies of "Crossing the Bar."
- Read the poem aloud to the class, asking students to follow along in their texts.
- **Second Reading:**
- Have a volunteer read the poem aloud.
- Encourage students to listen for themes and tones in the poem.
**Part 4: Analysis of the Poem (20 minutes)**
- **Themes:**
- Discuss primary themes like death, the afterlife, and facing mortality with peace.
- Highlight how Tennyson uses the metaphor of crossing the bar to symbolize the transition from life to death.
- **Structure and Form:**
- Examine the poem's structure, including its rhyme scheme and stanza form.
- **Literary Devices:**
- Identify and analyze literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and personification.
- **Class Activity:**
- Split the class into small groups and assign each group to analyze a stanza, focusing on one literary device.
**Part 5: Interpretation and Personal Response (15 minutes)**
- **Whole Class Discussion:**
- Invite groups to share their analysis and interpretations.
- Discuss how the poem makes them feel and the relevance of its themes in contemporary contexts.
- **Personal Response Activity:**
- Ask students to write a short paragraph on their personal response to the poem. Encourage them to connect it to their own experiences or thoughts on mortality.
**Part 6: Conclusion and Assessment (5 minutes)**
- **Review and Recap:**
- Summarize key points discussed during the lesson.
- **Assessment:**
- Ask a few students to summarize the poet’s background and the poem's key themes.
- **Homework Assignment:**
- Assign students to write a brief essay on how Tennyson’s background might have influenced the themes in "Crossing the Bar."
- **Closing:**
- Thank students for their participation and provide a preview of next class’s topic.
##### 5. Reflection
**Post-Lesson Notes:**
- Note student engagement levels and understanding during discussions.
- Assess the effectiveness of the group activity in promoting deeper analysis.
- Reflect on any areas that need further clarification or reinforcement in future lessons.