Lesson Plan: “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das

Here’s a structured lesson plan for teaching Kamala Das's poem "My Mother at Sixty-six." This plan is designed for a 60-90 minute class and can be adapted based on your specific classroom needs.

Objective:

Students will analyze and interpret Kamala Das's poem "My Mother at Sixty-six," focusing on its themes, imagery, and emotional impact. They will also explore the poet’s use of language to convey feelings and insights.

Materials:

Copies of the poem "My Mother at Sixty-six" by Kamala Das
Whiteboard and markers or a digital board
Notebooks or paper for students
Optional: Multimedia resources (e.g., audio recording of the poem)

Introduction (10-15 minutes):

Warm-Up Activity:
- Begin with a brief discussion on the concept of aging and how it affects our relationships with our loved ones. Ask students to share their thoughts or experiences related to aging in their own families.
Background Information:
- Provide a brief biography of Kamala Das, highlighting her contributions to literature and her thematic concerns, particularly her exploration of personal and emotional themes.

Reading and Initial Response (15-20 minutes):

Read the Poem:
- Read the poem aloud to the class. If available, play an audio recording of the poem. Then, have students read the poem silently to themselves.
First Impressions:
- Ask students to share their initial impressions of the poem. What emotions or thoughts does the poem evoke?

Analysis (25-30 minutes):

Poem Breakdown:
- Themes:
  - Discuss the central themes of the poem such as the inevitability of aging, the relationship between the speaker and her mother, and the fear of losing loved ones.
- Imagery and Language:
  - Analyze key imagery used in the poem, such as the "wan, pale face" and the contrast between the mother’s age and the speaker’s youthful perspective. Explore how these images contribute to the overall emotional tone.
- Tone and Mood:
  - Discuss the tone of the poem. How does Kamala Das convey a sense of melancholy and resignation? What words or phrases contribute to this tone?
- Structure and Form:
  - Examine the structure of the poem, including its free verse form and how it mirrors the flow of the speaker’s thoughts and emotions.
Group Activity:
- Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a stanza or a section of the poem to analyze. Have them identify key elements (themes, imagery, tone) in their section and then present their findings to the class.

Discussion (15-20 minutes):

Personal Reflection:
- Facilitate a discussion on how the poem’s themes and emotions relate to students' own experiences or understanding of aging and family. Encourage students to share personal reflections if they feel comfortable.
Critical Questions:
- Pose questions to deepen understanding, such as:
  - How does the poet’s depiction of her mother enhance our understanding of their relationship?
  - In what ways does the poem reflect broader social or cultural attitudes towards aging?

Conclusion (10-15 minutes):

Summarize Key Points:
- Recap the main themes and insights from the poem. Highlight how Kamala Das’s use of language and imagery enhances the emotional depth of the poem.
Assignment:
- Assign a reflective essay or a creative writing task where students write a poem or narrative from the perspective of a family member dealing with aging.
Q&A:
- Allow time for any final questions or clarifications about the poem or its analysis.

Homework:

Reflective Essay:
- Have students write a short essay on how the themes of the poem relate to their personal experiences or observations of aging and family dynamics.
Further Reading:
- Encourage students to read more of Kamala Das’s work or explore other poems that deal with similar themes.

This lesson plan aims to engage students with the text deeply while encouraging personal reflection and critical thinking. Adjust the timing and activities based on your students' needs and the length of your class.