Create a Rhyme using the ABAB Rhyme Scheme
Write a four-line poem using an ABAB rhyme scheme, choosing two rhyming pairs, then decorate and perform it aloud to practice rhythm.
Step-by-step guide to write a four-line poem using the ABAB rhyme scheme
Step 1
Find a comfy quiet spot to sit and think.
Step 2
Choose a theme for your poem like animals space or your favorite snack.
Step 3
Pick two words that rhyme to be your rhyme pair A.
Step 4
Pick two different words that rhyme to be your rhyme pair B.
Step 5
Write the first line of your poem and end it with the first word from rhyme pair A.
Step 6
Write the second line and end it with the first word from rhyme pair B.
Step 7
Write the third line and end it with the second word from rhyme pair A.
Step 8
Write the fourth line and end it with the second word from rhyme pair B.
Step 9
Read your whole poem aloud slowly to hear the rhyme pattern and rhythm.
Step 10
Change any words that sound awkward so the rhythm flows nicely.
Step 11
Decorate your poem using colouring materials to match your theme.
Step 12
Practice performing your poem aloud with clear voice and fun expression to feel the beat.
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have colouring materials or can't upload to DIY.org?
Use crayons, markers, colored pencils, stickers, or glued magazine cut-outs to decorate your poem as in the step about decorating with colouring materials, and if you can't upload to DIY.org share a photo or video with family, your teacher, or a classroom blog instead.
I'm stuck finding rhyme pairs or my lines sound awkward—what should I do?
Use a simple online rhyme finder or make a short word list to help pick rhyme pairs for steps 3–4, then read the whole poem aloud (steps 9–11) and swap or replace words that sound clunky so the rhythm flows.
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children, choose an easy image-based theme, select single-syllable rhyme pairs and have an adult write while the child decorates in the decorating step, and for older kids add syllable-count goals, richer themes, extra stanzas, or prepare a recorded performance to share.
How can we extend or personalize the rhyme activity to make it more creative?
Turn your decorated poem into a mini-booklet, add illustrations for each line during the decorating step, set the poem to a simple beat when you practice performing, or collaborate with friends to create alternating stanzas and a group performance to share.
Watch videos on how to write a four-line poem using the ABAB rhyme scheme
What Is An AABA Rhyme Scheme? - The Language Library
3 Videos
What Is An AABA Rhyme Scheme? - The Language Library
What Is The AABB Rhyme Scheme? - Tales And Texts
How To Write AABB Rhyme? - The Prose Path
Facts about poetry for kids
✍️ A four-line stanza is called a quatrain, and it’s one of the most common building blocks in poems.
🎨 Decorating a poem with drawings, stickers, or colorful letters turns it into a fun poster you can perform from.
🎤 Performing a poem aloud helps you feel its rhythm — many poets clap or tap to keep the beat when practicing.
🤓 Rhyming helps kids notice and remember sounds in words, which makes learning language and reading easier.
🎭 Shakespeare’s sonnets use an ABAB pattern in their quatrains — ABAB CDCD EFEF GG — so ABAB is a classic move!
How do I create a four-line ABAB rhyme with my child?
What materials do I need to make an ABAB four-line poem?
What ages is writing and performing an ABAB rhyme scheme suitable for?
What are the benefits of doing an ABAB rhyme-writing and performance activity?
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