Process:
1) You will need to read at least three different limericks by visiting a website containing a variety of limericks. You can also visit the library and obtain poetry books on limericks.
2) After reading several examples of limericks, you will investigate a limerick's poetic structure. How many lines does a limerick have? How many syllables are there in each line? What is the rhythm of a limerick like? What is the rhyming pattern in a limerick?
3)
When you are familiar with the structure of limericks, you may be ready to create
some of your own. Visit How
to Write a Limerick to help you get started.
4) Think of what lines you will include:
a) Think about your opening line:
There
once was a young boy named Tim..
There once was a girl from Queens...
b) Think about rhyming words:
cat, hat, rat, mat, sat
5) Make sure your limericks follow the format that you have studied. Go through the Six Traits of Writing to help you enhance your limerick:
a) Ideas: the main point. Does your limerick focus on one topic?
b) Organization: the internal structure. Do you follow the proper structure of a limerick?
c) Voice: evidence of the writer behind the message. Ask yourself if your limerick matches your personality. Does it sound like you wrote it? Is it enjoyable?
d) Word Choice: the vocabulary. Do you use the same words repeatedly? Try incorporating a varied vocabulary by using a thesaurus.
e) Fluency: How does it sound? Does it sound smooth when you read it aloud?
f) Conventions: Check your writing. Does the writing make sense? Do you have spelling mistakes?
6) Are your limericks entertaining? Ask someone to read and evaluate them. If you are not satisfied yet, improve them.
7) Compile your limericks by creating a book. You have two options for the presentation of your book.
a) You can type your limericks, print them and then bind them in a book. If you choose this option, create a decorative cover, bind the printed poems with yarn, string, staples etc.
OR
b) You can create a powerpoint presentation featuring your limericks.
8) Evaluate your book by reviewing the rubric's components. Do you have what it takes to score a perfect four?
9) Just for fun: read your limerick to someone at home, then, mix up the lines and ask him or her if he/she can organize the limerick in the right order
10) Congratulate yourself! Researching and writing is a difficult process. You should be proud of your accomplishments.