Photo of a book with pages folded in a heart shapeConnecting Reading and Writing: Poetry

Goals:

  • Read examples of haiku
  • Understand the characteristics of haiku

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry.

A haiku is a 3 line poem that doesn’t rhyme. Haiku is often written about nature.

English haiku use a pattern of syllables to create their unique form. Syllables are the parts we naturally divide words into when we say them. For example, the word ‘ball’ has one syllable, while the word ‘begin’ has two syllables because we say the word in two parts, “be-gin.

English haiku have :

  • 5 syllables in the first line
  • 7 syllables in the second line
  • 5 syllables in the third line

Read these examples of haiku. (Hint: read them out loud)

As you read:

  • find the 5-7-5 syllable pattern in the poems
  • think about the words the author chose for the poems – What image or feeling does each poem create?

Tomorrow, you will write your own haiku using ideas from your Heart Map.
To get ready for writing, look back at your heart map. Try to expand your map with words and phrases that describe the ideas you have on your map. You could also add new ideas if you want.

Other Opportunities:

  • Choose one of the sample poems from today. Create an illustration that matches the poem’s mood.
  • Keep on reading books you choose every day!