Storybird #8: An example of a Storybird Poetry challenge

Storybird is my favourite, free, story writing application on the web www.storybird.com. I use it with my classes all the time, and I love all its tips. I'd love to show you an example of a Storybird poetry challenge. This challenge called 'April challenge: laughter and poetry' took place in April of this year - during poetry month. I am quoting from the Storybird blog https://goo.gl/WSAeEd 

                 ___________________________________________

April challenge: Laughter and Poetry

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of… laughter. April is Poetry month, so naturally, this month, we’re focused on poetry. But not just any poetry, we’re looking for ~gasp~ poetry that rhymes and makes people laugh! We can all use a little more laughter in our lives (especially after last month’s ‘conflict’ challenge!). Here’s this month’s theme in one simple line:

Make people laugh with your funny, silly, cheesy, or sincere rhyming poem

While not all poems need to rhyme, rhyming can add music and rhythm to your poems, making them fun and memorable. Here are a few tips:

A couplet format has two lines that rhyme at the end

Take a look
Write a book

A tercet is more complex. Out of 6 lines: Lines 1 & 2 rhyme, lines 4 & 5 rhyme, and lines 3 and 6 rhyme

Take a look
Write a book
Feeling queasy?
Take the time
To make it rhyme
Now it’s easy

A ballad stanza’s second and fourth lines rhyme:

Write a book
Feeling queasy?
Make a rhyme
Now it’s easy.

Lastly, try to keep the syllable-count of each line roughly the same. For more details, check out this wikihow post on rhyming poems.

To get started, click ‘Create’ and start writing a PICTURE BOOK and include the theme above. You do not have to use the specific methods noted above as long as your story rhymes in some way. Like stories, your poem should have a plot—a beginning, a middle, and an end. It should have characters—a protagonist and an antagonist. And it needs a setting—where does it take place?"

                                             ______________________________________

I am sure that in April 2018 there will be another exciting poetry challenge! If you haven't yet signed up any of your classes to Storybird, head over to www.storybird.com today and join. Your students will love this application.