Limerick How to Create Your Own

Definition A kind of humorous five line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. This means lines 1,2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and 4 rhyme. Also, lines 1,2 and 5 should have about 7 – 10 syllables and lines 3 and 4 should haveabout 5 – 7 syllables.

Rhyme and Rhythm Pattern Example There was an old man from Peru, (A) da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS) who dreamed he was eating his shoe. (A) da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS) who dreamed he was eating his shoe. (A) da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS) He awoke in the night (B) da DUM da da DUM (2 DUMS) with a terrible fright, (B) da da DUM da da DUM (2 DUMS) and found out that it was quite true. (A) da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS)

Sample Limerick There once was a young girl named Jill. Who was scared by the sight of a drill. She brushed every day So her dentist would say, “Your teeth are so perfect; no bill.” --Bruce Lansky

Tips Pick names and words that are easy to rhyme. Make sure your subject is silly or funny, but still school appropriate. Check that you have the right number of syllables. Try counting out the beat.

How to Write a Limerick Start by choosing the ending word of your first line. Think of different words to rhyme with your first lines’ ending. What do you associate with those rhyming words? See if you can come up with a theme! Think of a story about those words and make it fit the rhyme and rhythm patterns of a limerick.

Requirements Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form (a limerick). Student’s use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader’s mind. Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to reinforce the theme. Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding. Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the basic requirements. Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning (add a drawing or a picture).

Types of Figurative Language to Consider AlliterationAllusionRhymeEndInternalOnomatopoeiaMetaphorSimile Assonance AssonanceConsonanceHyperbolePersonificationRhythmRepetitionImagery