How to Write a Limerick

1. How to Write a Limerick Writing a limerick is fun Just scribble five lines and you’re done You’ll feel energetic When waxing poetic Under a warm Irish sun

2. TheLimerick • 5 lines long • Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme with each other. • Lines 3 and 4 rhyme with each other. • Limericks have a distinct rhythm (more on that in a minute) • They are suppose to be silly!

3. Limerick Rhythm Lines 1, 2, and 5 have 3 empathized syllables or “beats.” Lines 3 and 4 have 2 emphasized syllables or “beats.” Clap the rhythm as you read this limerick. There once was a cat named Sam He liked green peas and ham He bit a man Was thrown in a can And now he’s all covered in jam. TIP: To help with rhythm, shoot for 7-9 syllables in lines 1, 2, and 5. And 3-5 syllables in lines 3 and 4.

4. Try some more limericks There once was a sailor from Maine His foot gave him lots of pain He went to the doc The doc was Spoc Watch out, he might suck out your brain. My aunt has a big, red nose So red, some think it’s a rose She dyed it blue To make it new Instead she got purple toes I know this one squirrel from France He is fond of blue and plaid pants He got a new hat To match his orange cat And now he’s ready to dance.

5. Practice makes Perfect • Practice writing a few limericks. • Pick your best one. • Draw an illustration to go with your limerick. • Vote on the best one in class!

6. Get Going! • Here are some starters for you to try… There once was a man from Spain…. There once was a sticky old frog…. There once was a goat named Beep… I once had a ten-foot snake…. My teacher wears long blue wigs…. My dog likes to eat green snails….