Nursery Rhyme Creation Assignment

Playful Sounds, Rhythm, and Cultural Imagery

Objective

Explore the sounds, patterns, and playfulness of nursery rhymes—then write your own! These short poems aren’t just for children—they're rhythm machines designed to be remembered, repeated, and loved. You'll study rhyme schemes and syllables, and then create a rhyme that reflects your own voice or culture.

Part 1: Study the Samples

Read the nursery rhymes below. For each one, identify the following:

Rhyme Scheme (Label it AABB, ABAB, etc.)

Syllable Count for each line (Count how many syllables are in each!)

Part 2: Write Your Own Nursery Rhyme

Your rhyme should be:

• Fun to say and read aloud

• Rich with cultural or personal imagery

• Easy to remember and filled with rhythm

• Structured with a clear rhyme scheme and syllable pattern

Requirements

4 to 8 lines long

Lines should be 4–10 syllables each

Must follow a consistent rhyme scheme (AABB, ABAB, etc.)

Use mostly 1- or 2-syllable words

Mention at least one object or symbol from your culture, heritage, or identity

Optional: Include a repeating phrase or nonsense sound that feels playful (e.g., “pum catta-pum chin chin”)

Example:

Baba’s Shoes

By Mr. Tretyak (Ukrainian-American)

Baba wore her dancing shoes

Every Sunday night.

Cloth like stars and thread like silk,

Shined beneath the light.

“Spin around,” she used to say,

“Dance to chase the gloom!”

“Sunflowers grow from your feet,

If you give them room.”