Teaching Dickinson for Leaving Certificate: Compression, Consciousness and Classroom Practice

This CPD session builds on earlier workshops on the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop and W.B. Yeats and turns its focus to the distinctive, challenging and rewarding poetry of Emily Dickinson.

The session will explore a range of key poems - ‘I felt a Funeral, in my Brain’, ‘I heard a Fly buzz – when I died’, ‘“Hope” is the thing with feathers’, ‘There’s a certain Slant of light’, ‘I could bring You Jewels’ and ‘I taste a liquor never brewed’ -examining how Dickinson’s compressed style, startling imagery and unconventional voice invite close attention and personal response.

Designed for teachers new to Dickinson as well as those looking to re-energise their approach, the workshop will offer clear entry points into poems, alongside creative and active methodologies that support interpretation, discussion and confident exam writing.

Participants will leave with practical teaching strategies, adaptable classroom resources, and renewed confidence in helping students move from initial uncertainty to meaningful, thoughtful engagement with Dickinson’s poetry.