Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World
on Goodreads (83)
What’s inside...
A brief description of the life of Emily Dickinson and a selection of her poems. Tells the story of the 1,775 poems written by Emily Dickinson and discovered by her sister Lavinia after her death, and includes twenty-one of these poems that speak most directly to children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Emily Dickinson was feeling when she wrote these letters?
How do Emily Dickinson's words make you feel?
Why do you think Emily Dickinson chose to write letters instead of speaking her thoughts out loud?
Can you imagine what the world looked like through Emily Dickinson's eyes?
If you could write a letter to the whole world, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the poems and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of having different forms of communication and ask them about their preferred way to share their thoughts and feelings.
Use Emily Dickinson’s vivid imagery to help your child visualize the scenes and enhance their understanding.
Invite your child to write their own poem or letter expressing their thoughts or feelings about a topic they’re passionate about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expression Through Writing
Explanation: Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World showcases the beauty and depth of expressing one’s thoughts and emotions through writing, as Emily shares her inner world with readers through her letters.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to write letters or keep journals to express their feelings, experiences, and thoughts, which helps in developing their emotional intelligence and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Solitude
Explanation: The book highlights Emily Dickinson's often solitary life, yet she continued to write and create. Her dedication is reflected through her continuous work, despite her reclusive nature.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and dedication even when they are alone or feel isolated, showing that solitude can also be a time of productivity and self-discovery.
Example Lesson: Importance of Reading
Explanation: Through her letters, Emily Dickinson not only writes but also reflects on the literature she reads. This illustrates her deep engagement with texts and how they influenced her.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of reading and how it can influence their own thoughts and creativity. Encouraging them to read widely can expand their horizons and inspire their own creative expressions.
Example Lesson: Connecting with Others
Explanation: Despite her solitude, Emily Dickinson reaches out and connects with others through her letters, bridging the gap between her world and the outside.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children the importance of maintaining connections and communicating with others, even if physically distant. It teaches them the value of relationships and emotional support.