Emily Dickinson Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What kinds of poems do you enjoy? Why? (Discuss; Share opinion)

What do you know about poetry? (Tap prior knowledge)

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:05: How did Dickinson’s poetry differ from other poets of her time?  (Compare/contrast)

Timecode 3:07: How do poetic devices like simile and personification help bring a poem to life? (Identify details/Identify Cause/effect)

Timecode 5:18: What is slant rhyme and why did Dickinson use this poetic device? (Recall; Synthesize)

After the Movie:

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Emily Dickinson topic. (Make connections)

What makes Dickinson’s poems feel contemporary? (Make Connections)

What were Dickinson’s inspirations for her poetry, and could the same things inspire you to write poetry? If not, what would? (Reflect)

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Emily Dickinson Topic Page to your class or have students read independently. Then have them watch the movie once through without pausing. Then, watch it again as class, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.