Childhood -Poem;Class XI -Lesson Plan

Here’s a detailed lesson plan for the poem “Childhood” by Markus Natten for Class XI:

Childhood
By Markus Natten

When did my childhood go?
Was it the day I ceased to be eleven,
Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven,
Could not be found in Geography,
And therefore could not be,
Was that the day!
When did my childhood go?
Was it the time I realised that adults were not all they seemed to be,
They talked of love and preached of love,
But did not act so lovingly,
Was that the day!
When did my childhood go?
Was it when I found my mind was really mine,
To use whichever way I choose,
Producing thoughts that were not those of other people
But my own, and mine alone
Was that the day!
Where did my childhood go?
It went to some forgotten place,
That’s hidden in an infant’s face, That’s all I know.

Lesson Objectives:

1. Understand the theme and tone of the poem.
2. Analyze the poet’s use of language and imagery.
3. Identify and explain literary devices.
4. Relate the poem to personal experiences.
5. Develop critical thinking and discussion skills.

Content based learning objectives

To enable the students to
i)understand, enjoy and
appreciate different genre
of English writings
ii)have better
understanding of rhyme
scheme and other poetic
devices
iii)understand that
childhood is a bliss
iv)understand
individuality, rationalism
and hypocrisy
v)to think rationally

• 3)Childhood: behavioural based learning objectives
• To enable the students to
• i)accept differences,understand people
• ii)value childhood and freedom
• iii)develop individuality
• iv)treasure innocence of childhood
• Skills
• Comprehension,
• thinking skills,
• analytical skills

Lesson Plan:

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Introduce the poem and its author.
• Ask students if they remember their childhood memories.
• Write down key words: innocence, nostalgia, growth.
• Activity (to introduce the lesson)
• Warm up activity
• i) Share your childhood experience
• ii) How can you define maturity‟?
• Activity/Assignment (to check learning)
• Discuss: Is attainment of maturity a sign of loss of innocence?

II. Reading and Comprehension (15 minutes)

• Read the poem aloud.
• Ask students to follow the text.
• Clarify difficult vocabulary (e.g., preached, lovingly).
• Discuss the poem’s structure and stanza division.
• The students will be able to
• i)think, analyse and observe
• ii)identify rhyme scheme
• iii)know individuality
• iv)differentiate between innocence and maturity
• v)accept different people

III. Analysis (25 minutes)

• Identify and analyze literary devices:
  • Imagery (e.g., “hidden in an infant’s face”)
  • Metaphor (e.g., “Childhood” as a tangible entity)
  • Symbolism (e.g., “Hell and Heaven”)
  • Irony (e.g., adults’ contradictory behavior)
• Discuss themes:
  • Loss of innocence
  • Self-discovery
  • Transition to adulthood
• Examine the tone: nostalgic, reflective, melancholic.

IV. Group Discussion (20 minutes)

• Divide students into groups.
• Assign questions:
  1. What does the poem say about adulthood?
  2. How does the poet portray childhood?
  3. What triggers the loss of childhood?
  4. Relate the poem to your own experiences.
• Encourage critical thinking and personal connections.

V. Writing Activity (15 minutes)

• Ask students to write a reflective paragraph:
  • Describe a childhood memory.
  • Explain how it relates to the poem’s themes.
  • Use literary devices from the poem.

VI. Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Summarize key points.
• Ask students to share insights.
• Provide homework (e.g., write a poem about adulthood).

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussion
• Written reflection paragraph
• Homework poem

Extension:

• Research Markus Natten’s background and works.
• Compare with other poems on similar themes.
• Create a visual representation (e.g., infographic, comic strip).

Interactive Fun Activities:

• “Childhood Memory” sharing circle
• “Then and Now” comparison chart
• “Lost Childhood” creative writing

This lesson plan should provide a comprehensive understanding of the poem and encourage critical thinking, self-reflection, and creativity.

Happy teaching!