Walt Whitman: Poems Lesson Plan

Musical Interpretations

Kind of Activity:

Mixed Media

Objective:

Students will research and analyze music interpretations of "I Sing the Body Electric."

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7

Structure:

The musicality and emotional charge of "I Sing the Body Electric" has inspired many musicians, both historical and contemporary, to compose songs based on the poem. Break students into small groups and assign each group (or have each group choose) a different piece based on the poem. Instruct them to create a short presentation in which they will play the song (or a clip from the song) and address the following questions:

1. What aspects of...