Use this resource pack to help pupils explore and write limericks, developing their understanding of rhyme, rhythm and humorous language. Pupils will start by reading examples, including six limericks by the classic poet Edward Lear, showing WAGOLL (what a good one looks like), as well as four additional limericks.
They will then discuss and note their ideas before planning and writing their own limericks, using a range of poetic techniques.
A limerick is a short, five-line poem with a distinctive rhyme scheme: lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 rhyme, often described as AABBA. Limericks have a bouncy, rhythmic pattern that makes them fun to read aloud and perform. They are usually humorous, giving pupils the chance to play with language, explore word choices and enjoy creative expression.
What’s included
- Limerick model text 1 – Limericks by Edward Lear
Six classic limericks from Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense, demonstrating humour, rhyme, rhythm and structure. Pupils can analyse these as examples of effective limericks. - Limerick model text 2 – Additional limericks
Four new limericks to provide further inspiration and show a variety of themes and styles. - Limerick writing sheet
Contains success criteria for writing limericks, explains the rhythm, and provides examples of words that rhyme to guide pupils’ writing. - Limerick ideas sheet
A PDF where pupils can collect themes, word choices and rhyming ideas before composing their own limericks. - Limerick planning sheet
Helps pupils structure a single limerick or a series, organising ideas line by line and ensuring the correct rhyme scheme. - Themed writing paper
Provides a space for pupils to present their limericks neatly, supporting performance or display.
Curriculum links
Years 3-4: Recognise different forms of poetry, discuss structure, vocabulary and grammar in model texts, and plan writing by exploring similar examples.
Years 5-6: Analyse how authors use language, including figurative techniques, to impact the reader. Plan writing with purpose and audience in mind. Select appropriate forms and use models for inspiration.
This resource gives pupils a structured yet creative framework to read, analyse and write limericks confidently, experimenting with rhyme, rhythm and humorous language while learning from WAGOLL examples.