Every day this summer we’re setting you a fun and exciting challenge to complete. This week’s theme is focused around reading and writing!
Today, we’re going to be writing our own poetry! You could even enter your creation in to RSPB’s WildVerse competition…
We’re going to be writing haiku, which is a form of Japanese poetry. It is easy to learn to write a haiku, but it can take a lot of practice to learn how to do it well!
A haiku is an unrhymed three-line poem…
Though there are different ways to write haiku, the traditional pattern in English is to write the first and last lines with five syllables each, and the middle line with seven syllables.
Haiku poems are most about seasons or nature, though you can write your own haiku about anything you like…
If you don’t want to write about nature, and would prefer to write haiku about sweets or sports, that is perfectly okay!
Haiku poems contain a ‘cutting word’ known as a kireji. The word helps break the poem in half and helps end the poem well.
One more thing to keep in mind is that the last line of a haiku usually makes an observation. That is, the third line points out something about the subject you are writing about.
To summarise, haiku usually consist of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, contain a cutting word or symbol, and finish with an observation!
Let’s see how we can put these few rules together get your started writing your own haiku poems!
Writing poems!
Begin by writing your first line. You might need to think really hard about how to best phrase it so that you don’t go over 5 syllables!
Then write your second line and end it in a cutting word. You can also use a dash like this: – if that’s easier.
Then write your final line. Make some kind of observation. In the example above, the observation is “Winter has begun”!
Did you write your own haiku? Why not submit it to RSBP’s WildVerse competition?
It could be read on Fun Kids and you could even win a VQ Digital Radio!
Fun Kids Daily Summer Challenge!
We're sharing something to do every day during the summer holidays! From going outdoors and trying fun games to learning new stuff and competing with friends!
