Emily Dickinson: Analysis & Activity Pack for Two Poems

Includes: “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark” and “Before I Got My Eye Put Out.”

Why have students dread poetry when they can learn to love it instead? This two-poem, 1-7 day unit takes a unique and engaging approach to introducing students to the work of Emily Dickinson, using rigorous activities with a modern twist that will help them analyze and connect to the poet’s themes while having some fun along the way.

The packet includes:

• Detailed, modern lesson plans—including thought-provoking journal prompts, video and audio links, and rigorous, engaging activities to help students with comprehension and analysis

• Fun pre-reading activity— to help students overcome poetry anxiety and introduce the poems’ themes

• Group guided reading activity— for “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark," including analysis of speaker, symbolism, word choice, structure, etc.

• Literary analysis and theme handout

• Exit Tweets—exit slips that leverage the popularity of Twitter to help students connect with themes

• Close reading/guided group activity— for “Before I Got My Eye Put Out” in which students read and annotate the poem, then work as a group to analyze key concepts, word choices, tone and theme

• Compare and contrast worksheet—to find similarities and differences between the two poems in terms of content, language, tone and structure

• Unique poetry writing assignment—complete with brainstorming activity and rubric

• Detailed answer keys—to make grading a breeze and generally make your life easier

The work of Emily Dickinson is integral to studying poetry in high school. Help your students to love this author’s work while opening their minds to the beauty of poetry in general.

For simple, effective ways to use this resource in DISTANCE LEARNING, click here.

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Keywords: American literature, poetry analysis, Romantic poets, fun poetry activities, poetry writing