What is a Haiku?

A haiku is an unrhymed three-line poem. It is based on a traditional Japanese poetic form. Though there are different ways to write haiku, the traditional pattern in English is to write the first and last lines with five syllables each, and the middle line with seven syllables. In other words, the pattern of syllables looks like this:

Line 1: 5 syllables
Line 2: 7 syllables
Line 3: 5 syllables

Here’s another way to visualize the same thing:

1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5

Most often, haiku poems are about seasons or nature, though you can write your own haiku about anything you like. If you don’t want to write about nature, and would prefer to write haiku about candy or sports, that is perfectly okay.

One more thing to keep in mind is that the last line of a haiku usually makes an observation. That is, the third line points out something about the subject you are writing about.

Let’s see how we can put these few rules together get your started writing your own haiku poems.

Haiku About Seasons

Let’s say that you decide to write your haiku about a season. First you will want to select a season: spring, summer, fall, or winter. I’ve decided to write a haiku about winter, and I know that in the last line I will want to make an observation. I want to say that winter is almost here, but we aren’t quite ready for the snow. Maybe it’s that we haven’t raked the leaves off the front lawn and we need to do it soon before it snows.

I want to say all of this, but I want to do it in a pattern of 5, 7, 5. So I might say something like this:

Winter is coming.
Snow will be arriving soon.
We should rake the leaves.

 If you count the syllables on your fingers as you read this poem, you will see that the lines have five syllables, seven syllables, and five syllables, just as they should.

Haiku About Nature

If you decide to write a haiku about nature, you will have many more subjects to choose from. You could write about animals, plants, the sky, the ocean, streams, the wind, and so on. Start by selecting a topic, and then decide what you want to say; what observation you want to make about it.

For example, I have decided to write a haiku about my cat. One thing I notice about my cat is that he sleeps a lot. In fact, I’m pretty sure he sleeps almost all night and all day. I’m not sure how he can be so tired. In any case, here is my haiku:

Tired cat sleeps all night.
He needs lots of rest for a
Long day of napping.

 Funny Haiku

Just because most haiku poems are about seasons or nature doesn’t mean that’s all they can be about. If you want, you can even write funny haiku poems. One way to make a haiku funny is to have an unexpected last line. For example, if the last line says the opposite of what the reader expects, it becomes like the punchline of a joke. It also helps to write about a funny subject.

Example: To write a funny Haiku excuse for why I can’t turn in my homework. Here it is:

My homework is late.
My dog ate it this morning.
I sure like my dog.

 Notice that this ending is unexpected. Most readers would expect the poem to end with something like “can I turn it in tomorrow?” or “I’m mad at dog” or something like that. By saying “I sure like my dog,” I am telling the reader something they don’t expect, which will hopefully make them smile.

Getting Started Writing Haiku

To begin writing haiku poems, just follow these steps:

1. Select a type of haiku. Decide if you are going to write a seasonal, nature, or other type of haiku.

2. Pick a topic. Select one specific season, item in nature, or something else you are going to write about.

3. Think about what is different about your last line. What observation do you want to make?

4. Start writing.

5. Don’t forget to count the syllables as you read to make sure you’ve got the right pattern.

6. Finally, “center” your poem on the page like the poems in this lesson.

Credits:https://poetry4kids.com/?s=haiku

🌍✨ Calling all poetic minds! 📝✨

🌱 Dive into the world of Haiku magic and let your creativity flow! 🍃✨ Choose a topic that speaks to your eco-soul:

1. Pollution's dance in the air 🏭💨

2. Global warming's silent roar 🌡️🔥

3. Embrace the beauty of nature 🌿🌺

4. Sustainability, a path we tread 🔄💚

5. Deforestation's silent plea 🌳🆘

6. Fossil fuels, a fading fire 🔥⛽

7. Plastic tales haunting our seas 🌊🚯

8. SDGs guiding our way 🎯🌍

9. Climate change's whispered song 🌬️🌏

Haiku Checklist:

#Three short lines

#Imagery

#The real deal

#Season words

#Feeling

#Love of Nature

#”Ah” moment

Grab a colored paper or a pristine A4 size paper, let your words dance, and share your Haiku masterpiece! 

🎨📜 Don't forget to tag us in your poetic journey! #EcoHaikuChallenge 🌿💙

**"Two Stars and a Wish" Technique:**

1. **Two Stars:**

- Each student shares two positive aspects they enjoyed in their peer's Haiku poem. It could be specific lines, choice of words, or creative imagery.

2. **One Wish:**

- Each student provides one constructive suggestion or "wish" for improvement. This could be related to syllable count, clarity, or enhancing a particular element.

This technique is straightforward, focuses on the positive aspects first, and then gently introduces constructive feedback, making it accessible for grade 4 students.This would be done in their English journals.

Sample Haiku Poems:

Industrial breath,

Smoke swirls in a toxic waltz,

Pollution's silent dance.

Earth's fever rises,

Global warming's fiery hush,

Nature weeps unheard.

Petals in moonlight,

Nature's gentle symphony,

Embrace beauty's grace.

Footprints on green paths,

Sustainability's embrace,

A tread of hope blooms.

Timber's silent cry,

Deforestation's plea speaks,

Echoes in the trees.

Fuel's dwindling flame,

Fossil fuels' fading embers,

Hope in green rebirth.

Ocean's plastic tale,

Seas haunted by waste's lament,

Nature's plea ignored.

Goals on distant shores,

SDGs light our compass,

Guiding toward a change.

Whispers in the wind,

Climate change's subtle song,

Heard by those who care.