Cassandra Lopez

SLM 521 – Spring 2005

Web Drop #5

3/23/05

 

 

 

                                             

 

Haiku vs. Limericks

 

From nursery rhymes to Shakespeare, poetry is all around us. There are many famous poets and you may be familiar with Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky. Both of these poets write funny and amusing poems geared towards children, but can be enjoyed by all. But there are many styles of poetry.

 

For this lesson we will read (2) styles of poems: Haiku and Limericks. You will read both styles and will compare and contrast between the two.

 

Haiku Poetry Sites

 

Learning about Haiku.

 

1.              Haiku is divided into 17 syllables. This usually consists of 3 lines with a 5-7-5 pattern. Meaning, the first line has (5) syllables, the second line has (7) syllables and the third line has (5) syllables.

 

2.              Haiku is divided into 2 parts, with almost (2) separate statements. This break can occur after the first or second line.

 

3.              Haiku poets take their work from everyday items and occurrences. This could be something as simple as rain or snow.

 

Now we will read some haiku.

 

Go to Spring Haiku and read haikus created about Spring. These are poems created by students like you.

                

Learning about Limericks

 

1.              Limericks have a certain rhythm or metre to them.

da da Dum da da Dum da da Dum

For example : Twas the night before Christ mas and all

 

2.              Something is wrong if the limerick does not flow when read aloud.

 

3.              All limericks must rhyme. It’s just not a limerick unless it rhymes.

 

4.              Limericks are meant to be funny.

 

5.              Limericks have 5 lines.

 

6.              Most opening lines of a limerick start the same way. They are used to describe a character. For example: There was an old man from Peru.

 

7.              Most limericks end with a bang! Meaning it’s a good idea to have a surprise or PUNCHLINE.

 

Now we will read some limericks.

 

Go to The Limerick Page and read some limericks. These are limericks from 4th and 5th graders.

 

Copy the Venn Diagram for both Haiku and Limericks. Record the differences and similarities using this diagram.

 

Take into account rhythm, rhyme, and humor as some of the items to consider.

 

Venn Diagram