Laughing with Limericks

Introduction

    Have you ever laughed while reading a poem? Funny poetry is meant to make readers smile, giggle, or laugh out loud. In this WebQuest, you will explore limericks, a short and silly style of poetry known for humor, rhythm, and surprise endings. Get ready to read, listen, and create poems that are fun and playful!

Task

By the end of this WebQuest, you will:

  • Understand what a limerick is

  • Identify the rhyme scheme and rhythm of limericks

  • Explore why limericks are funny

  • Write your own original limerick

Process

Step 1: What Is a Limerick?

Read and watch resources about limericks.

  • Learn that limericks have 5 lines

  • Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme

  • Lines 3 and 4 rhyme (and are shorter)

  • The rhyme scheme is AABBA

Step 2: Read and Enjoy

Read several examples of classic and kid-friendly limericks. As you read, think about:

  • What makes the poem funny?

  • Is it the words, the surprise ending, or the silly situation?

Step 3: Analyze the Humor

Choose one limerick and answer these questions:

  • Who is the poem about?

  • What silly or surprising thing happens?

  • How does the rhyme help make it funny?

Step 4: Write Your Own Limerick

Now it is your turn!

  • Pick a funny character or situation

  • Follow the AABBA rhyme scheme

  • Keep it light, playful, and school-appropriate

Step 5: Explain Your Humor

Write 3–4 sentences explaining:

  • Why your limerick is funny

  • What words or ideas you used to make readers laugh

Evaluation

You will be graded using this rubric:

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1)
Structure Correct AABBA form Mostly correct Some errors Not a limerick
Creativity Very funny and original Funny Somewhat funny Not funny
Effort Clear effort shown Good effort Limited effort Minimal effort
Explanation Clear and thoughtful Clear Somewhat unclear Missing
Conclusion

Funny poetry shows us that poems do not always have to be serious. Limericks use rhythm, rhyme, and surprise to create laughter. By reading and writing limericks, you learned how humor and poetry work together. Keep playing with words and keep laughing!

Credits

You may use these kid-friendly resources:

  • Poetry Foundation: Limericks for Children

  • ReadWriteThink: Limerick Examples

  • YouTube: "What Is a Limerick?" (educational videos)