What is a formula poem?

According to Susan Lake & Associates, a formula poem is simply a poem that is formed by using a specific formula. Some examples of formula poems include limericks, acrostics, haikus and diamantes.

A formula poem can contain certain letters, use a specific rhyming scheme or use a number of syllables in each line. Some types of formula poems are popular because they are familiar, such as the limerick or the haiku. Other types of formula poems involve the use of specific letters or parts of speech. These are frequently used in schools to help children learn how to write poems and reinforce the use of different parts of speech.