Writing Poetry
Poetry uses language creatively to express ideas and emotions. Year 4 students explore poetic forms including haiku, limerick, and free verse.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
A haiku has 3 lines: 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables
A limerick has 5 lines with a rhyme scheme AABBA — usually humorous
Free verse has no fixed rhyme or rhythm — it relies on vivid imagery
Poetic devices include alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, and metaphor
Key Vocabulary
Haiku
A Japanese poem form with 3 lines of 5-7-5 syllables
Limerick
A humorous five-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme
Free verse
Poetry with no set rhyme or metre
Syllable
A unit of sound in a word; "cat" has 1 syllable, "po-em" has 2
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
How many syllables are in the second line of a haiku?
Question 2
A limerick's rhyme scheme is:
Question 3
Which poetic device is used in: "The bees buzzed busily"?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A haiku has 3 lines: 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables
- ●A limerick has 5 lines with a rhyme scheme AABBA — usually humorous
- ●Free verse has no fixed rhyme or rhythm — it relies on vivid imagery
- ●Poetic devices include alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, and metaphor