1. Welcome! October 30th, 2017 Monday
Do Now
Take a weekly Bell Ringer sheet from the front table. Once the bell rings, we’ll watch a video, and you will have five minutes to respond to the question in at least five sentences.
Remember: Do Now's are INDEPENDENT and QUIET exercises. Thank you 

2. Click on the link below to watch a video clip
Click on the link below to watch a video clip. Respond in writing by providing your thoughts on the following question:
Is there an elderly person in your life who is/was special to you? Explain.
© Presto Plans

3. Journal Heading At the top of your paper, you need: Your name 10/30/17
CP10 American Lit/Block
“Walt Whitman”

4. Walt Whitman Timeline
On your own or with your group, take the next 15 minutes to read through the article on Whitman’s life.
Once you’re finished, create a timeline on your paper that outlines significant events in Whitman’s life. Be sure to include the dates below (they’re important!):
After you create your timeline, answer #1 and 2 on your paper below your timeline.

5. Walt Whitman Timeline . . . . . . . . .

6. Walt Whitman’s Life and Poetry
Tell me specifically about Walt Whitman’s parents.
Walt Whitman’s poetry was unique for its time. List at least 4 characteristics of his poetry. . .

7. Leaves of Grass Excerpts: “Song of Myself”
Today, we’re going to read two excerpts from Whitman’s poetry collection Leaves of Grass. His collection is set up in various inter-connected “songs,” or free-verse poems.
As we read, be sure to annotate your poem – don’t be afraid to write on your copy! Make note of any phrases you like, don’t understand, think are important, ect.
Most importantly, don’t feel overwhelmed! Just take it one line at a time and let me know if you need help. 

8. Leaves of Grass Excerpts: “Song of Myself”
Why do you think Whitman opens up the first “song” of his collection with “I celebrate myself, and sing myself”? What tone does this set up for the rest of the poem?
What does Whitman mean by “and what I assume you shall assume, / For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you”? What is he asking the reader to do?
What do you think Whitman is talking about when he says, “Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same…”? Explain.
What do you think the theme of this “song” is? What is Whitman trying to show or say to his reader?

9. Leaves of Grass Excerpts: “Song of Myself”
The second excerpt we’re going to read is going to take us through five different scenes. On your paper, be sure to mark where each scene ends and another begins. It will make #6 much easier for you!  6. In his tenth “song,” Whitman takes us through five scenes in America. For each scene, identify what is taking place and what Whitman is trying to achieve by including each scene. Be sure to use textual evidence to back up your responses. Use the outline below as a guide. a. The first scene was about…. I think Whitman included this in his poem because… 7. What do you think Whitman was trying to achieve by putting each of these scenes together in a single poem? How does this add to his central theme?