Back to the phonics! This wasn't an easy nonsense rhyme to compose because so few animals' names start with an 'e' and children love things about Elephants. However, you'll note the 'e' sound in words such as 'pet' and these add to the all-over 'e' emphasis. There is a picture of an echidna on my Clickpicks page for those not aquainted with this fascinating Australian animal. Don't worry about hard words such as 'erudite'; the children quickly catch-on.
THE ENERGETIC ELEPHANT (Letter E e)
An elephant is elegant: echidna is not quite so.
No vet suggests
You pet the pests
Because they tend to fight so.
Nobody likes
Echidna's spikes,
From his tail up to his head!
And an energetic elephant can kick you out of bed!
An elephant is erudite: echidna not so brainy.
They lose their cool
When at the pool
And squabble when it's rainy.
Don't emphasise
Echidna's size;
Don't tell him that he's shrunk,
Or that energetic elephant will slap you with his trunk
An elephant is excellent: echidna is more lowly.
They fight and fuss
And miss the bus,
Because they walk so slowly.
Nobody heeds
Echidna's needs,
But echidna never cares!
And an energetic elephant can kick you down the stairs!
