Limericks

There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, "It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!
                                ~Edward Lear

---

Limericks appeal to kids because they are silly and simple to write. They appeal to teachers because they are an easy way to show rhythm and rhyme scheme.

Bruce Lansky, a children's poet, has a refresher course on limericks here.

These two sheets are good for introducing kids to limericks.

What can your kids do with their limericks?

• Add them to a book of poetry. (See more poems to try here.)
  
• Invite their friends to write some, too. Make a special-edition limerick newsletter.
• Write and illustrate several for a mini book. To lengthen the book, include the limericks of siblings, friends, and you. 
• Submit them to the Student Showcase. I know there aren't many trophies there, but you have to start somewhere, right?!