Are you tired of the same old, boring poetry units in school? Do you want to shake things up and introduce your students to some funny and humorous poems that will change their perspective on poetry? Look no further! Here are some hilarious poems that will have your students laughing out loud and appreciating the wit and sarcasm of poetry.
1. “The Crocodile” by Lewis Carroll
This funny poem anthropomorphizes a crocodile and imagines its sneaky antics. It’s a great way to introduce humor and deception in poetry.
2. “How Not To Have To Dry the Dishes” by Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein’s funny poem uses rhyme and punctuation to set up a hilarious punchline. It’s a perfect mentor text for students writing their own funny poems.
3. “Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face” by Jack Prelutsky
Jack Prelutsky’s poem imagines a world where noses could be placed anywhere on the body. It’s a great example of using humor and imagination in poetry.
4. “Don’t Go Into the Library” by Alberto Rios
This poem uses symbolism and metaphor to create a humorous scenario where the library is a dangerous place. It’s a good example of using enjambment and extended metaphor in poetry.
5. “Sick” by Shel Silverstein
Every elementary schooler should read this funny poem at least once. It’s a master class in drama and ends with a hilarious punchline.
6. “My Kitten Is a Ninja” by Kenn Nesbitt
This silly poem imagines a kitten as a ninja, wearing a black disguise. It’s a great example of using rhyme and imagery in poetry.
7. “My Next Door Neighbor Is a Witch” by Samiya Vallee
This humorous poem describes a neighbor with absurd details like a “big fat wart” and “seventeen pimples on her toes.” It’s a fun read-aloud for students.
8. “The Boy Who Didn’t Like Ice Cream” by Rebecca Syx
This poem with a hysterical tone is about a boy who doesn’t like ice cream. It’s a great example of using rhyme and conversation in poetry.
9. “Sweet Treat Dream” by Gillian M. Ward
This poem uses repetition to drive home the point of imagining a world made of chocolate. It’s a fun example of using poetry to explore silly scenarios.
10. “Don’t Be Silly” by Dave Moran
This poem invites students to be even more silly, encouraging them to imagine their own silly scenes. It’s a great example of using repetition and rhyme in poetry.
These funny poems are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to injecting humor into your poetry unit. By incorporating these poems into your lessons, you can show students that poetry doesn’t have to be boring or serious. Instead, it can be a source of laughter, creativity, and imagination. So go ahead, shake up your poetry unit with some funny poems and watch your students’ perspectives on poetry change for the better.
