Students learn the syllable structure and mood of haiku poems by comparing
the serenity of the autumn months with the peaceful rhythms of haiku poetry.
Materials
Samples of haiku poetry
Fresh leaves of various shapes and sizes
Crayons of fall colors
Thin paper, about 8 1/2" x 11"
Felt-tip pens
Sounds-of-nature music to inspire and set the tone
Procedures
Discuss with students the requirements of a haiku poem – a three-line
poem, the first line with five syllables, the second line with seven
syllables, and the third line with five syllables. A haiku often illustrates
some aspect of nature or tranquility. (Note: Beginners often
try to evoke too many different ideas. A good rule is to have at least
two concrete images, and no more than three.)
Discuss with students the sounds and sights of fall. They can revolve
around the leaves changing color, animals preparing for winter, or any
other characteristic of the season.
Write a sample haiku with the class.
Next have students write their own haiku on lined paper. Sounds-of-nature
background music can inspire descriptive writing.
Students should then take the leaves and randomly place them under
their thin paper.
Using a crayon, have them make back-and-forth strokes over the objects;
light pressure gives the best results.
Students then write their haiku over their leaf paper with felt-tip
pens or crayons.
Variation
Create landscapes with different textures for fields, mountains, and clouds.
Write a different haiku describing each part of the scene as it relates
to the fall season.
