Keep It Going

Worksheet Description

The worksheet introduces students to the structure and rhyme scheme of limericks, a humorous form of poetry that consists of five lines with an AABBA rhyme pattern. The first, second, and fifth lines typically have eight syllables and stress every second syllable, while the third and fourth lines are shorter with five syllables and a similar pattern of stress. The sheet starts with a complete example of a limerick about a character named Kiki, which serves as a model for rhythm and rhyme.

In the main activity, students are prompted to craft their own limerick by filling in the blanks of a partially completed poem that follows the AABBA rhyme scheme. They are given the first line and must continue the poem, ensuring that their additions adhere to the metrical and rhyming rules of limericks. This creative exercise not only teaches students about poetic meter and form but also encourages them to engage with language playfully and inventively. Through this process, students learn to appreciate the intricacies of verse and the joy of wordplay, while also practicing their ability to write within structured poetic forms.