Music + Poetry + Fun Activities = A Simple Way to Make Literature Stick

Mora K. Anderson
Sep 11
3 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Poetry doesn’t have to feel boring or like another thing on the homework checklist.

For many of us, poetry once felt intimidating. The old-fashioned words. The endless dissection of stanzas. The dreaded question: “But what does this poem mean?”

But what if learning a Robert Frost poem felt more like putting on your favorite playlist… and less like studying for a quiz?

That’s exactly what we do at Ivy & Jay. We take the beauty of classic poetry and pair it with music, podcasts, and hands-on activities so students don’t just read poetry, they get to experience it.

Why Traditional Poetry Lessons Don’t Always Click

Let’s be honest, many poetry lessons rely on memorization, rhyme-scheme analysis, and essay writing. While there’s value in that, it often misses the spark.

Poetry wasn’t written to be trapped on a worksheet. It was meant to be heard, spoken aloud, and lived. When that spark is missing, students lose the joy, and teachers and parents are left feeling frustrated.

The Ivy & Jay Approach

So how do we bring that spark back? We use a simple three-part approach that makes poetry memorable, approachable, and fun:

Music – Famous poems reimagined as songs. When words are set to rhythm, they’re easier to remember and a lot more enjoyable.

Podcast – The Poetry Remix shares the story behind the poem, unpacks its meaning, and offers a fresh perspective, like a friendly guide into the world of literature.

Activities + Unit Studies – Crafts, recipes, and creative projects that connect poetry to real life. Suddenly, a few short lines of verse become an afternoon of discovery.

Why This Works So Well

The magic happens when all three elements work together:

Song → builds rhythm and memory.

Podcast → adds context and meaning.

Activities → bring poetry into daily life through creativity.

It’s the difference between “I kinda understand this poem” and “Wow, this poem actually speaks to me.”

Parents and teachers often share stories of students who once dreaded poetry, but now hum their favorite poem-songs or ask thoughtful questions about meaning. That’s the power of meeting students where they are.

A Fit for Every Learner

Every student learns differently, and that’s why this approach is so helpful.

Visual learners enjoy videos and visuals that bring poems to life.

Auditory learners connect deeply through music and podcast storytelling.

Kinesthetic learners thrive with crafts, recipes, and hands-on projects.

Readers/Writers engage through journaling and reflection.

No one has to sit on the sidelines, everyone has a way in.

Poetry for a New Generation

At Ivy & Jay, our goal isn’t just to “get through” a poem. It’s about creating a relationship with literature that feels alive, creative, and inspiring.

We believe poetry can spark curiosity, build creativity, and leave an imprint that lasts a lifetime. With songs, podcasts, and hands-on learning, poetry finally feels like an adventure worth taking.