The Teacher Who Used Peter, Paul And Mary’S Lyrics As Poetry Assignments In Her Classroom

April 2, 2025

Mrs. Thompson was the kind of teacher who could find magic in the mundane. Her classroom, a small room filled with old wooden desks and walls decorated with colorful posters of famous poets and musicians, buzzed with a sense of creativity. Every Friday, she introduced her students to different genres of poetry, but one week, she brought in an unexpected twist: the lyrics of Peter, Paul and Mary. She had grown up listening to their folk music, and she knew that the emotional depth in their songs could teach her students not just about poetry, but about life itself.

As she handed out the lyrics to “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” she watched her students’ faces transform from confusion to curiosity. They read about a magical dragon and a boy named Jackie Paper, realizing how the song captured the bittersweet essence of childhood and the inevitable loss that comes with growing up. Mrs. Thompson encouraged her students to write their own poems inspired by the lyrics, blending fantasy with their own experiences. A week later, her classroom was filled with stories of imaginary friends, dreams that faded, and the powerful bond of friendship. This assignment opened up a world of expression for them, showing them that poetry could be found in every corner of life.

One student, Jenna, especially connected with the song. She wrote about her beloved childhood dog, who had comforted her through tough times, but had to be put to sleep when she was just ten. Jenna poured her heart into her poem, combining the warmth of joy with the sorrow of loss, capturing the delicate balance of feelings that Mrs. Thompson always admired in the songs of Peter, Paul and Mary. When she shared her poem in class, her classmates listened intently, some teary-eyed, as they too held on to their memories of love and loss. Mrs. Thompson smiled, knowing that they were discovering that vulnerability was not a weakness, but a strength.

The songs of Peter, Paul and Mary weren’t just music; they were a voice for social change, something Mrs. Thompson emphasized to her students. She explained how the trio had used their platform to speak out against injustices during the civil rights movement, inspiring a generation to stand up for what they believed in. This lesson resonated deeply with her students. They learned that words could inspire action, and music could become a powerful tool for change. Jenna, in particular, took this to heart. She started a project at school advocating for animal shelters, realizing that her poetry could make a difference.

As the school year came to a close, Mrs. Thompson organized a poetry reading night where students shared their creations. The auditorium buzzed with excitement, parents filled the seats, and there was a palpable sense of pride in the air. Jenna was nervous but stepped up to the microphone, her voice trembling at first. However, as she read her poem, the emotions she had poured into her words shone brightly. She felt a wave of support wash over her when she finished, the applause echoing in her ears was not just for her, but for everyone who had embraced their stories that year. It was a magical moment that would stay with her forever.

Years later, Jenna would recall that night and Mrs. Thompson’s class as the turning point in her life. Inspired by the songs of Peter, Paul, and Mary, she pursued a career in music and poetry, using her art to advocate for causes she was passionate about. Just like the trio had done, she learned to weave her own struggles and joys into her work, conveying the message that everyone’s story matters. Mrs. Thompson had taught her not only about poetry but also about the power of resilience and the importance of using one’s voice. In her heart, Jenna carried the lessons of a small classroom and the songs that had sparked her journey.