Activity
Write a Funny Limerick
Poetry provides a wonderful opportunity for your child to practice rhyming, understand syllables, and experiment with writing styles. In particular, limericks are a great way for an aspiring poet to dive into the bright new world of poetry! Limericks are funny poems with a simple structure that your little poet will be able to master easily!
Encourage your child to write a funny poem about Dad, express his dislike for homework assignments, or share why he thinks dessert should be served at every meal. Experimenting with funny lines and phrases that fit the limerick structure will keep your child focused on the poem as if it were a puzzle, rather than a writing assignment.
What You Need:
- Pencil
- Paper
- Dictionary or thesaurus (optional)
What You Do:
- Before beginning this activity, discuss the rules for writing a limerick. Your child will need to know that limericks are five-line poems with an (AABBA) rhyme scheme. Lines 1, 2, and 5 have seven to ten syllables and lines 3 and 4 have five to seven syllables.
- Help your child pick a topic for the poem. Invite her to get creative!
- Encourage your child to put on her poetry hat, and get to writing! She may need to consult a dictionary or thesaurus if she gets stuck. Try to stick to the limerick structure, but it’s okay to bend the rules a little to help your young poet.
A humorous limerick makes is a wonderful way to make someone special smile! Invite your child to rewrite her favorite limerick with a picture to accompany it, and give it as a gift to a friend or relative.