Nonsense Poem/Verse

Nonsense Poem or Nonsense Verse is a large group, sit-down activity that requires paper and something to write with. It would also be helpful to have a chalkboard, whiteboard, easel, or something else to write on that the large group can easily see.

Reading materials
The activity should be preceded by reading examples of nonsense poems with the children, such as "Jabberwocky" by Lewis carroll and/or "The Faulty Bagnose" by John Lennon. Read aloud and discuss.

Directions
Gather the kids in a circle. Each student writes down a "gibberish word" without thinking of its meaning, then passes their word to their right. Each student must now provide a "translation" of the gibberish word passed to them. Have the kids share their words and translations, writing them down where they can see them all. The students must now write a poem using the gibberish words, possibly making up more along the way. For this part of the activity, they can write either individually or in small groups.

Methods of translation
If the kids are aren't sure how to go about translating their nonsense words, share these methods of translation with them. They could simply use the first thing that comes their mind, or find inspiration in the sound of the nonsense word (or only the vowels of the word, or only the consonants). Have translators try pronouncing their gibberish in different 'languages' or 'accents'.