Day one’s lesson will build a foundation for students to dig deeper into the layered meanings of Dickinson’s words in the later lessons, by creating an image in their minds of the train and how the author describes it. The first focus question asks students to determine the subject of the poem. This requires students to pay attention to word choice, and to begin to analyze figurative and metaphorical language used by the poet. Students will be looking closely at specific words and phrases and making inferences about what they mean. Students may turn and talk to a partner about their thoughts, or work in small groups on the supporting questions before sharing as a whole group. The focus question should be answered independently.
Special Materials:
Copies of "The Railway Train" by Emily Dickinson for each student
Student guided notes sheet
Lesson plan