Haiku & Tanka Japanese Poetry

What is a Haiku? A Haiku is a form of Japanese Poetry It only had 3 lines and none of them have to rhyme Each line has to have a certain number of syllables

What is a Syllable? A syllable is a unit of spoken language Syllables can be thought of has “beats” of words There are many different ways to count the syllables of a word

Counting Syllables Chin Method Clapping Method Dictionary Method

Lines of a Haiku Has 3 lines 5 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables

Haiku Topics Nature Written in praise of nature, like how beautiful Mt. Fuji is Feelings Things like love, or sadness

Directions 1.Write a Haiku on the paper provided for you. 2.Have your poem checked by Mrs. Gardner 3.Begin your final draft

Tanka Poetry Japanese Poetry

Tanka Poetry Similar to Haiku Also written about nature and feelings Has 5 lines 5 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables 7 syllables

Examples of Tanka

White and silent snow Creates the winter landscape A peaceful blanket An artist’s windswept canvas Falling, drifting, tender flakes

Have you seen my dog? Much more than a pet to me Smart, strong and loving No, he would never leave me I feel deep fear in my heart

Gorgeous Gorilla In a small ugly zoo cage A tight steel prison. It is a foul punishment To jail such a fine creature

Examples of Haiku

Old crow in command Always foraging for food On his daily route

A color riot Lilac bush bursts into bloom A splash of flowers