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. 
• Share them in the comments.