Today I learned about the early days of our National Bard, WALT WHITMAN. He was in school until he was 11, then, as part of a family of 8, he went to work. His employer recognized his brightness and gave him a library card. That fired him up for years. He soon became a teacher on Long Island. He used Socratic methods, with play and recess a big part of classtime. Rather Montessauri ... He was good but he soon grew unhappy and frustrated teaching, and started writing articles and -- more excitingly, PRINTING. During his move to DC, he was pickpocketed in Philadelphia, and arrived with no money. He eventually worked three federal jobs ~ for the Paymaster, the Dept of Indian Affairs, and the Attorney General's Office. Walt Whitman was totally awesome. You can actually HEAR him reciting here!
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