A Poetry Lesson From "The Teacher" to Teachers

As The Teacher, sometimes it is necessary to give something back to my wife’s readers. This post is going to be an outline for a lesson on poetry and specifically writing Haiku’s. I came across this idea from a co-worker, but only used their idea of teaching Haiku’s. The book, Haiku format, and how I taught it is original from me. I hope you find this unique and something to use at the end of the year when grades are finished.

During the part of the lesson I began by reading the book’s title to my student: Dogku. Only read them the title, DON’T show them the book. After this I asked them to predict what the book would be about and I recorded several answers. After this I showed the students the picture of the book and had them come up with a reason the book was called Dogku.

(NOTE: This book is written so each page of text is written in Haiku Format) After the predictions, I read the book to the students showing the pictures as I read. I also ask questions to enhance comprehension.

Instruction:

Next, I used a PowerPoint presentation that explained what a Haiku is. It is a Japanese form of poetry. Usually about nature, family, friends, etc. I also explained that this is a very short type of poetry that doesn’t require rhyming. Next I showed them how each line has a specific amount of syllables. The first line has 5, second line has 7, and the third and last line has 5 again. After I reached this point, I used the next 10 minutes to teach or re-teach a lesson on syllabication.

During this part of the lesson I asked someone to now explain why the book I read was titled Dogku? Usually one or two students get close, so I helped form an answer in their minds. Then I reread a few pages and have the students count the syllables of each line. After this I show a non example of a Haiku using a simple poem. I love to use Shel Silverstein and his book Where the Sidewalk Ends.

I ask each child to think of a topic, it can be anything. Once they brainstorm about a topic, I have them write a Haiku about this topic. Once they write the Haiku, I have them read it to a partner to check the syllabication and then they are allowed to bring it to me. Once I have it, we use the Haiku Template. This allows them to type their title, haiku, a box for pictures or drawings, and their name.

Examples from this year’s Second Grade Students.

Nature rocks a lot.

All the birds go a chirp’en.

Nature rocks a lot.

I caught a BIG fish.

It was the Biggest Fish there.

It was exciting!

The doctor is tall.

So are his son and daughter,

And his wife he loves!

The football was big!

I caught the ball and I scored.

We won the game. YES!

I caught a big shark.

It was a big tiger shark.

Teeth used in necklace.