Laugh Lines and Limericks

Introduction

Poetry is not always serious or emotional. Sometimes it is meant to make us laugh! In this WebQuest, you will explore limericks, one of the funniest types of poems ever written. Get ready for silly characters, surprise endings, and lots of rhythm as you learn how poets use humor in poetry.

Task

By the end of this WebQuest, students will:

  • Learn what a limerick is

  • Identify the structure and rhyme pattern of limericks

  • Analyze how humor works in funny poetry

  • Write one original limerick that follows the traditional format

Final Product:

  • A short written explanation of what makes limericks funny

  • One original limerick written by the student

Process

Step 1: Learn About Limericks

Begin by visiting the Poetry4Kids link on the Credits page to learn about the structure, rhyme pattern, and humor of limericks.

As you explore look for:

  • The five line structure

  • The AABBA rhyme scheme

  • The rhythm of a limerick

  • How humor is created

Take notes in your notebook or google doc.

 

Step 2: Read Funny Examples

Next, use the College Transitions link on the Credits page to read several example limericks.

As you are reading, think about:

  • What made this poem funny?

  • Was the ending surprising?

  • What kind of character is in the poem?

Write short answers to these questions.

 

Step 3: Analyze Humor

Use the Splash Learn resource on the Credits page to help you think about how poems use language and structure.

Students choose one limerick and explain:

  • How word choice creates humor

  • Why the ending is unexpected

  • How rhythm adds to the joke

Write a short paragraph explaining your ideas.

 

Step 4: Watch and Listen

Visit the YouTube video listed on the Credits page titled “Limericks for Kids.”

As you watch, pay attention to:

  • How limericks sound when read aloud

  • How rhythm and timing affect humor

  • Tips for writing your own limerick

Take note of any helpful writing tips.

 

Step 5: Create Your Own

Using everything you have learned from the Credits page, write your own original limerick.

Your limerick must:

  • Has five lines

  • Uses the AABBA rhyme scheme

  • Includes humor (silly situation, exaggerated character, or surprise ending)

Evaluation
Evaluation
Criteria:

Excellent

 Good Needs Improvement

Understanding of Limericks

Correct structure and explanation

Minor errors

Structure unclear

Humor

Very funny and creative

Some humor

Limited humor

Original Poem

Complete and original

Mostly complete

Incomplete

Effort

 Clear effort shown Some effort Minimal effort

 

Conclusion

Limericks prove that poetry does not have to be serious to be meaningful. By reading, analyzing, and writing funny poetry, students learn that humor is a powerful tool in writing and poetry can be just as fun as it is creative.

Credits

Use the links below to help you learn about limericks and funny poetry. Read, watch, and explore carefully before completing your task.

Websites

Videos