Poetry Break #5 - Poem in Unusual Form

Pearson, Susan. 2005. Grimericks. Illus. by Grimly, Gris.
Tarrytown, New York: Marshall Cavendish Corp.

Introduction –
This witty limerick can be read at anytime during the year, but would be great to use on Halloween. The poem is colorful, spooky, creepy, ghoulish, and humorous. The grimly illustration by Gris Grimly is cleverly done in watercolor and ink. The teachers are comically portrayed as ghouls. Although limericks are short they can say much.


A banshee named Mrs. O’Toole

Teaches wailing at Spookytime School,

Mr. Bones teaches dances,

Ms. Ghost teaches trances,

and grades are passed out by Miss Ghoul.


Extension –
Copy a life-size image of the illustration and tack to a wall before reading the poem. Set the mood for the poem by turning off the lights. Use a flashlight to illuminate while reading. Have students draw their favorite teacher in a ghoulish embodiment. Place the student’s creations on a wall. Have them guess the teachers by using post-its. Students can then choose their favorite illustration.