

Yet, each and every mark on the page is intentional. As poetry is often filled with abstract thought, it would be easy for us to assume that this will cause the structure of a poem to be loose and fluid - with no containment or reason. In class, we discuss seeing past the literal and connecting with the poet on an emotional level - to empathize, to understand. This is what my students and I needed…quiet…if just for a moment. Jones goes on to state that for many people poetry is “a brief momentary space that contains breath, and the world outside the poem gets a little quiet just for a moment.” In the article, Saeed Jones, an award-winning poet, explains that “with podcasts, we’re looking for air pockets to catch our breath.” Podcasts are about conversation and connection.

Last year, as I was reading an NPR article called “Podcasts Are Providing A New Way Into Poetry,” I saw an opportunity for my students. Poetry and Podcasts: Promoting Conversation and Connection A moment of stillness and beauty regardless of circumstance.

Honestly, I was feeling the same way.Īs I began to plan our upcoming unit, I knew that I needed to provide space for reflection and connectivity - a place for students to rest amidst the chaos of life.įor me, this is what poetry has always provided. I could hear it in their tone and in their words left unsaid. Daily, the students amazed me with their fortitude, flexibility, and grace but, they were exhausted. We’d been in school for around twelve weeks - learning together, building community as best we could, and making the most of a tough situation during a global pandemic. Two weeks ago, I decided to have my students create their own poetry podcast episode.
