Haiku Poems

  • Objective: Learn about, Listen to, write and discuss Haiku poems.

Introduction:

Have you ever heard of a haiku poem? Haiku poems are a special type of poem that come from Japan. They are short and simple but can tell us a lot about nature and feelings. Let’s learn what haiku poems are, how to write them, and read some famous haiku poems!

What Are Haiku Poems?

Haiku poems are very short poems. They only have three lines. The first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables. A syllable is a single sound in a word. For example, the word “apple” has 2 syllables: “ap-ple.”

How to Write a Haiku Poem:
  1. Think About Nature: Haiku poems are usually about nature, like the seasons, animals, or plants. Think about something in nature that you like.
  2. Count the Syllables: Remember, the first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables.
  3. Write Your Poem: Use your ideas about nature and write your poem, making sure to count the syllables.
Example of Writing a Haiku:

Let’s write a haiku about a frog in a pond:

  1. Think About Nature: I like frogs and ponds.
  2. Count the Syllables:
    • First line: 5 syllables
    • Second line: 7 syllables
    • Third line: 5 syllables

Here is our haiku:

Line 1: Frogs hop on cool leaves (5 syllables)
Line 2: Quiet pond under the moon (7 syllables)
Line 3: Water ripples move (5 syllables)

Famous Haiku Poems:

Let’s read some famous haiku poems written by a Japanese poet named Matsuo Basho. He was very good at writing haiku poems.

Example 1:

An old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond—
Splash! Silence again.

Example 2:

The light of a candle
Is transferred to another candle—
Spring twilight

Conclusion:

Haiku poems are short and simple poems that come from Japan. They are usually about nature and have a special pattern of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and 5 syllables. Writing haiku poems can be fun and helps us appreciate the beauty of nature. Try writing your own haiku poem today!