Haiku Series How to Create Your Own

Definition A Japanese verse in three lines. A Japanese verse in three lines. Line one has 5 syllables, line 2 has 7 syllables and line three has 5 syllables. They don’t rhyme. Line one has 5 syllables, line 2 has 7 syllables and line three has 5 syllables. They don’t rhyme. They use sensory language to capture a feeling or image, rather than similes or metaphors. They use sensory language to capture a feeling or image, rather than similes or metaphors. They are often inspired by nature and the natural world. They are often inspired by nature and the natural world.

Sample Form Line 1: 5 syllables Line 1: 5 syllables Line 2 : 7 syllables Line 2 : 7 syllables Line 3: 5 syllables Line 3: 5 syllables

Haiku Series Example dark dog splashes in black water, dark sky above wind plays rough with trees short night walk with dog lone leaf rattles down driveway distant church bells chime walking my two dogs melting snow, trees above us a network of sleep --Judith Ford

Tips Write from personal experience or everyday natural events. Write from personal experience or everyday natural events. Put two images together in the poem to create harmony or contrast, using words that are specific, common, and natural. Put two images together in the poem to create harmony or contrast, using words that are specific, common, and natural. Avoid long words, rhymes, similes, and metaphors. Avoid long words, rhymes, similes, and metaphors. Focus on just one or two images. Focus on just one or two images.

How to Write a Haiku Series Choose a subject from nature. Choose a subject from nature. Consider including a reference to the seasons. Consider including a reference to the seasons. Use sensory language to describe the situation. Use sensory language to describe the situation. Describe the details. Describe the details. What did you notice about the subject? What colors, textures, and contrasts did you observe? What did you notice about the subject? What colors, textures, and contrasts did you observe? How did the subject sound? What was the feeling and volume of the event that took place? How did the subject sound? What was the feeling and volume of the event that took place? Did it have a smell or a taste? How can you accurately describe the way it felt? Did it have a smell or a taste? How can you accurately describe the way it felt?

Requirements Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form (a haiku series). Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form (a haiku series). Student’s use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader’s mind. Student’s use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and complete picture in the reader’s mind. Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to reinforce the theme. Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to reinforce the theme. Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding. Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding. Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the basic requirements. Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and goes beyond the basic requirements. Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning (add a drawing or a picture). Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning (add a drawing or a picture).

Types of Figurative Language to Consider Alliteration Alliteration Allusion Allusion Rhyme Rhyme End End Internal Internal Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia Metaphor Metaphor Simile Simile Assonance Assonance Consonance Consonance Hyperbole Hyperbole Personification Personification Rhythm Rhythm Repetition Repetition Imagery Imagery