Basketful of Moonlight
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Lesson Plan: Basketful of Moonlight
(Poem by Sunil Sharma)Class: 10 AAA
Lesson Plan: Basketful of Moonlight
(Poem by Sunil Sharma)
Class: 10 AAA
Lesson Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the central theme and message of the poem.
- Identify and analyze the poetic devices used.
- Interpret the emotions and imagery in the poem.
- Express their personal response to the poem.
Methodology & Techniques:
Discussion Method: Engaging students in a discussion on the significance of moonlight in the poem.
Imagery Analysis: Encouraging students to visualize and describe the poetic imagery.
Questioning Technique: Asking thought-provoking questions to enhance critical thinking.
Recitation & Expression: Reading the poem aloud with proper intonation and expression.
Collaborative Learning: Group discussion on the poet’s message and its relevance.
Lesson Structure:
- Introduction (10 minutes)
Begin by asking students:
What does moonlight symbolize in literature?
How do you feel when you see moonlight at night?
Briefly introduce the poet Sunil Sharma and his writing style.
Provide a short summary of the poem:
The poem expresses a child’s innocent request for a basketful of moonlight to bring light to the dark village paths so his father can return home safely.
It highlights themes of childhood innocence, longing, and rural hardships.
- Poem Recitation & Explanation (15 minutes)
Read the poem aloud with proper tone and rhythm.
Ask a few students to recite the poem with expression.
Explain difficult words and phrases.
Discuss the deeper meaning of the poem:
Moonlight as Hope: The child wishes for moonlight to overcome darkness and difficulties.
Innocence & Simplicity: The child’s request reflects a pure, selfless wish for his father’s safety.
Contrast Between Rural and Urban Life: The hardships of village life are subtly portrayed.
- Poetic Devices & Analysis (15 minutes)
Ask students to identify poetic devices in the poem.
Imagery: “Basketful of moonlight” creates a strong visual image.
Symbolism: Moonlight symbolizes hope, love, and guidance.
Repetition: The phrase “basketful of moonlight” is repeated to emphasize the child’s longing.
Free Verse: The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, making it more natural.
- Discussion & Personal Response (10 minutes)
Ask students:
If you could collect something magical like moonlight, what would it be and why?
How does the poem make you feel?
Encourage students to relate the poem to their own experiences of longing or hope.
- Assessment & Homework:
Class Activity:
Write 3-4 lines about how moonlight is important in your life.
Homework:
Write a short paragraph (50 words) on “The Symbolism of Moonlight in Literature and Life.”
By – A . N . Korane Sir