Types of Poems and How to Write Them

Introduction

• Materials Needed: Scissors and glue stick.
• Handouts: Available via a link in the description.

Types of Poems

1. Limerick

• Structure: 5 lines with an AABBA rhyme scheme.
  • Line 1, 2, and 5: Long lines, usually 8 syllables each.
  • Line 3 and 4: Short lines, usually 5 syllables each.
• Characteristics: Usually silly and fun.
• Example:
  • "There once was a kitty named Boo..."
  • Demonstrates the AABBA pattern.

2. Free Verse

• Structure: Does not follow regular rhyme or rhythm patterns.
• Characteristics: Unusual to read as it lacks traditional poetic elements.
• Example:
  • "Snow falls from frozen clouds..."
  • No rhyme or consistent rhythm.

3. Quatrain

• Structure: 4-line stanzas.
  • Can consist of multiple stanzas.
• Characteristics: Rhyming poem, often with rhythm.
• Example:
  • "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall..."
  • Common rhyme scheme and rhythm.

4. Cinquain

• Structure: 5 lines with a specific pattern.
  • Line 1: Noun
  • Line 2: Two adjectives
  • Line 3: Three verbs
  • Line 4: One thought/phrase
  • Line 5: Synonym for the noun
• Example:
  • "Oranges, sweet, juicy..."
  • Demonstrates specific pattern.

5. Haiku

• Origin: Japanese form of poetry.
• Structure: 3 lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
• Characteristics: Does not rhyme, sounds simplistic.
• Example:
  • "Apples crisp and sweet..."
  • Follows 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

6. Acrostic

• Structure: First letter of each line spells out a word.
• Characteristics: Can contain various descriptions of the word.
• Example:
  • "CANDY: Chewy bites, Assorted flavors,..."
  • Lines describe the word spelled down vertically.

Conclusion

• Encourage to try writing different poem types.
• Reminder to subscribe for more poetry lessons.