= Partner SiteHaiku Poem Examples and Activities
What is Haiku Poetry? What are some haiku poem examples and activities?
Haiku poems are short poems that originated in Japan. These poems are always three lines and 17 syllables, or units of sound. The first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line (like the first) also has 5 syllables. Haikus do not rhyme.
We have many resources about haiku poem examples and activities here!
Haiku poems originated in Japan. In haiku poetry, poets often focus on animals and nature. This theme is an important part of honoring the intention and history of haiku poetry.
However, when a learner practices writing haiku for the first time, itโs important to encourage them to use some freedom just to get started.
Examples
Yosa Buson was an 18th century Japanese poet who loved to write haikus. Like main haikus, this one focuses on nature:
โIn pale moonlight
the wisteriaโs sweet scent
comes from far away.โ
Here is another from Natsume Soseki, a 19the century Japanese poet. Like the haiku above,
this haiku also focuses on nature.
โOver the wintry
forest, winds howl in rage
with no leaves to blow.โ
Instructional Uses and Strategies
- Practice your syllables. Mastering haiku depends on accurate use of the appropriate number of syllables. Review model haikus in order to help students understand how poets use short and long words in order to integrate the correct number of syllables per line.
- Haiku First Lines: Determine a mix of nature-themed and funny first lines for haikus youโd like your students to write. Have students choose or pick from a bucket!
- Creative Writing Exercise: Have students add to haikus in small groups or by passing haikus to nearest neighbors. For instance, ask students to write a first line for their haiku. As the teacher, you can assign a certain theme, tell them to integrate a word, or provide other guidance. Once each student has the first line written, tell students their poem will be passed to another student for the second line and a third student who will finalize the haiku. Remind students that the first line has 5 syllables, the second has 7, and the third, like the first, also contains 5 syllables.
Haikus are a wonderful and accessible form of poetry that can engage your learners.
If youโre looking for poetry styles that can offer a similar experience, be sure to check out our resources on limericks and cinquains.
We have many limerick poem examples and activities as well as cinquain poem examples and activities.
All of these types of poems depend on a certain scheme and structure and generally follow a particular type of theme or topic of focus. Enjoy!
Printable Haiku Poetry Worksheets
Haiku by Bashล Printable Worksheet
In this printable activity, students will read each haiku written by Bashล, and then answer the related questions.
Presentation Version
Haiku Drawing Worksheet
Read the haiku poem The Old Pond, then draw a picture representing the imagery and scene described in the three-line poem's brief narrative.
Haiku Poem Anchor Chart
A colorful classroom poster explaining haiku poetry structureโ3 lines with a 5-7-5 syllable patternโfeaturing a nature-themed example and noting the form's Japanese origins.
Haiku Poem Template Worksheet
This printable template will guide students through the process of writing their own haiku poem following the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure with nature themes.
Printable Haiku Reading Comprehension Activity
Read and reflect on the haiku provided, then answer comprehension questions about the poem's imagery, meaning, and emotional impact in the space provided.
Task Cards (4 per page)
Haiku at the Zoo Activity
Imagine visiting the zoo, then reflect on the sights and sounds to write an original haiku describing your zoo experience using the 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
Haiku by Masaoka Shiki Activity
Read each haiku written by Masaoka Shiki focusing on nature and simplicity, then answer comprehension questions about the imagery and seasonal references used.
