Writing Limericks by Mrs Horvath What is a

Writing Limericks by Mrs. Horvath

What is a Limerick? • a form of poetry • fun to write • follow a specific pattern • use rhyming words • bouncy beat or rhythm

Structure of Limericks • 5 lines - 1 st, 2 nd, and 5 th lines – last word rhymes - 3 rd and 4 th lines – last word rhymes • rhyme scheme – AABBA (A) (B) (A) da DUM da da DUM da DUM da da DUM (8 -10 syllables) (4 -6 syllables) (8 -10 syllables)

More About Limericks • Many limericks begin with “There once was a …” • They often end with the name of a person or place. • Limericks are funny poems.

Getting Started • choose from a category (ex: animals) • find words that rhyme • begin “There once was a…” • try to make your poem a story

Sample Limerick There once was a fellow named Sal, He never had found a good pal. Then he met a boy John and a friendship did spawn, Until one day John met a gal.

Sample Limerick There once was a girl named Lynne, Who was so incredibly thin. In the tub she had lain, Then she unplugged the drain, And promptly got sucked right in.

Sample Limerick A little old lady and man, relaxed on the beach for a tan. Out there a whole day, They did shrivel away, And now they’re in Post Raisin Bran.

Sample Limerick There once was a cat named Blinx, Who was a really bad jinx. He’d mess people up, By taking their cup. And now he is friends with a sphinx.