Haiku Poem

In this three-part lesson, students write and illustrate haiku depicting seasonal images. First they use their observation skills, real-world knowledge, and knowledge of parts of speech to help them create seasonal word charts. They then listen to and read samples of haiku to identify haiku criteria, followed by a writing session where they create haiku that depict seasonal images. Finally, they publish their poetry in one of three methods.  They can mount their haikus on colorful backgrounds that illustrate the images in their poems.  If tablets are available, the Haiku Poem App can be used to publish their poetry.  If computers are available, students can use the Haiku Poem Interactive.

FEATURED RESOURCES

• Haiku Poem App:  Students can use this app to create their haikus and illustrate with images.

• Haiku Poem Interactive:  Students can use this student interactive to create their and illustrate with images.

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

Haiku usually depict an image from nature rather than an action and facilitate the reader's reflection on nature. Traditionally, they follow a three line, 5-7-5 syllable format, although that restriction has been altered in recent years.(Cheney, 79) Today, one may find haiku that are only one line, or in which the syllable pattern has been shortened or lengthened. For this lesson, using syllabication is an objective, so adhering to the 5-7-5 pattern is necessary.

This lesson inherently involves restrictions of convention that could hinder some students' creative use of descriptive language. For that reason, it may be best to introduce haiku-writing to students after they have had other experiences in using creative, sensory language in various ways.

I found these examples over at http://blog.customink.com/2011/05/haikus-for-happy-springs/

1.

Cherry blossoms bloom
Rumbly showers from the sky
Peace out, winter gloom!

2.

Bats are swinging ‘round
Bases fully loaded now
Who will win the game?

3.

Where did the snow go?
Who cares, it’s warm weather time!
Start the Spring parties!

4.

Moms forever loved
Always there for everyone
Send your thanks her way

5.

Inkers love the Spring
More BBQs and pot lucks!
We get our grub on

6.

Oh whaaat? Spring is here?
Does that mean it’s t-shirt time?
Get ready for sun!

7.

Hidden eggs around
Kids are on the hunt all day
Easter bunny hop!

8.

Take that break from class
Get to the beach and relax
Moments with friends last

9.

Someone getting hitched?
Plan a night to remember
Make the party last!

10.

Customers love us
and we love our customers!
Best friends forever?