Lesson Two, Haiku

UCLA Center for East Asian Studies Educational Resources

Lesson Two,
Haiku

Objectives: Students will be able to identify the main characteristics of traditional Japanese haiku (in the English language); apply the "rules" of composing haiku to write several of their own poems; explain the value/importance of haiku in Japanese culture.

Materials: Handouts on haiku, examples.

Focus: How is haiku a powerful form of poetry that lends insight into Japanese philosophy.

Time Teacher Procedure Student Activity

5 min. Explain basics of haiku: from of Japanese poetry that has 17 syllables and 3 lines (5-7-5). Tell students that they will be earning how to write a good haiku, as well as reading some examples. Listen.

15 min. Call on volunteers to read Haiku Moment.
Other handouts are for students who need/want extra guidance.
Read handout.

10 min. Read some examples of haiku aloud to the students. Ask fro comments after each one. Listen, comment.

20 min. Lead students outside to grassy area that will inspire thoughts of nature. Begin writing haiku.

Long term project: Students will be required to submit 10 good quality haiku in 1 week. Evidence of refinement must also be submitted (i.e., rough drafts with brief written explanations of why the changes were made.)

Assessment: Evaluate student haiku fir the main characteristics: seasonal/nature theme, 5-7-5 pattern, specificity, descriptiveness, revision/refinement, etc.

Japan and China Index

Time	Teacher Procedure	Student Activity
5 min.	Explain basics of haiku: from of Japanese poetry that has 17 syllables and 3 lines (5-7-5). Tell students that they will be earning how to write a good haiku, as well as reading some examples.	Listen.
15 min.	Call on volunteers to read Haiku Moment. Other handouts are for students who need/want extra guidance.	Read handout.
10 min.	Read some examples of haiku aloud to the students. Ask fro comments after each one.	Listen, comment.
20 min.	Lead students outside to grassy area that will inspire thoughts of nature.	Begin writing haiku.
	Long term project: Students will be required to submit 10 good quality haiku in 1 week. Evidence of refinement must also be submitted (i.e., rough drafts with brief written explanations of why the changes were made.)