A Haiku and You
5-7-5
Haikus are a form of poetry originating from Japan that are written in three lines. The first line of a haiku has five syllables, the second has seven syllables, and the third line has five. Haiku poems are often about nature, weather, or the seasons
Beginner
Read haikus together, stomping or clapping to each syllable.
Tip: Count the number of syllables on each line:
Sand scat-ters the beach (5)
Waves crash on the sand-y shore (7)
Blue water shim-mers (5)
- Kaitlyn Guenther
Intermediate
Write “What am I?” haikus and make a game of having your child guess the subject of each poem.
Tip: For example, a haiku about a frog:
Green and speckled legs,
Hop on logs and lily pads
Splash in cool water.
- Unknown author
Experienced
Encourage your child to write their own “What am I?” haikus.
Tip: Have fun writing haikus in all languages you know!
Why is this important?
Poetry helps expand vocabulary and improve memory in a fun, creative way.
Looking for more information?
Check out our Syllables and & Segments and "What Am I?" Haikus resource to learn more about this style of poem and how they work.
References: Collins, P. (2008). Using poetry throughout the curriculum. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 44(2), 81–84. https://doi-org.uwinnipeg.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/00228958.2008.10516500 Stone, L., & Gillen, J. (2008). White cars like mice with little legs: poetry in the early years. In J. Marsh, & E. Hallet (Eds.), Desirable literacies: Approaches to language and literacy in the early years (pp. 37-60). SAGE Publications Ltd, https://www-doi-org.uwinnipeg.idm.oclc.org/10.4135/9781446279519.n3