Talk to your child about what an epitaph is (a brief poem or other writing in praise of a someone who has passed away so that others could get a sense of who the person was). Then read some limericks to/with your child so that they understand the structure of this type of poem. (First, second and fifth lines rhyme with 9 syllables each; the third and fourth lines rhyme with 5 syllables each.) Have your child dream up some limericks that they would use to describe the lives of people they know or favorite characters in books so that people who don’t know them might have a better idea of who each person once was.

Extra Credit: Read selections from a book like Fire in the Sea and compare what the authors were writing about with what life must be/have been like for them in their respective corners of the world.

Enhances linguistic intelligence via poetry and an interpersonal lens.

Limerick Epitaphs