SSR 13 Minutes
1. Have the students free write in response to the following prompt: What are the advantages and disadvantages to conforming to society’s expectations? Write the prompt on the whiteboard. Allow at least 15 minutes for the writing. Then go around the room allowing every person to read all or a portion of the writing. Do not allow comments or questions at this time. The oral sharing is for listening to the diversity in responses.
2. Introduce Thoreau. Include background on Thoreau’s nonconformity in going into the woods to live by reading “Where I lived and What I lived for” from “Walden,” on page 382 in the yellow literature book.
3. Read the “Conclusion” of “Walden,” on page 388 in the yellow literature book. Focus the discussion upon the most commonly quoted portions of this work:
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
4. Discuss the concept of conformity and nonconformity in relation to this quote.
5. Listen to "Different Drum" by Linda Ronstadt with The Stone Poneys. Put lyrics on the overhead.
6. Discuss the use of Thoreau’s quote in the song "Different Drum." How is the quote used and interpreted? Is this interpretation in agreement with Thoreau?
7. Provide copies of Robert Frost’s poem "The Road Not Taken." Read this aloud.
8. Discussion should focus upon the concept of conformity and nonconformity. Robert Frost’s poem is a metaphor for the decisions and choices in life. Have students explain the metaphor. Focus the discussion on the final stanza:
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."
9. Put free write number two up on the overhead and have students respond to it in their free write journals. Have students share, if they wish, if there is time.
10. Have them email me this second free write:
11. Think of three difficult choices you have made. Select one of these choices and free write on why this was so difficult.
12. Think about the options that you didn’t choose, and then make a list tabulating the imaginary chain of consequences that might have followed if you had chosen another alternative.
13. Draft a description of the person you might have evolved into had you chosen the other path.
Homework Collected: None
Homework Given: 7th Period Writer's Notebooks A - M due Tuesday
Handouts given out: None
To Read: To Read: “Where I lived and What I lived for” from “Walden,” on page 382 and the “Conclusion” of “Walden” on page 388 in the yellow literature book.
