Imagine you’re on a vacation with your family in Japan in 1600 Imagine you’re on a vacation with your family in Japan in 1600. You come to this beautiful waterfall, and you want to remember it forever. What can you do to help remember this beautiful scene after your trip?

WRITING A HAIKU Haiku poetry has been written in Japan for centuries.   “Haiku” means “a beginning phrase.”

Rules for Writing a Haiku A haiku is a 3-line poem consisting of seventeen syllables: 5-7-5 A haiku must always refer to something in nature or use what is called a “season-word.” Example: snow can be used as a season word for winter. A haiku must be about one thing only. A haiku must be written as though you are just seeing or experiencing what you write about. It should happen now, not yesterday, the day before, or last year. A good haiku must present a clear picture of something; it paints a picture in words that stirs your imagination—making you eager to find out more.

Helpful Tips Important: Do not write your haiku as three short sentences with a period at the end of each line. The best haiku are written as one single thought or sentence. Remember you only have 17 syllables to use, so choose your words carefully, and don’t repeat any words. You may find it easier to write as though you were talking to whatever subject you choose. A good haiku is not easy to write, but you can be proud if you write one that gives others a vivid picture of something you have seen.

Examples of Haiku If things were better Butterflies, beware! for me, flies, I’d invite you Needles of pines can be sharp to share my supper. in a gusty wind! --Basho --Shosen   Well! Hello down there The fields and mountains friend snail! When did you arrive Have all been taken by snow in such a hurry?   And nothing remains. --Issa  --Joso (A.D. 1661-1704)

Have some fun making silly haikus with your group! Before we get serious… Have some fun making silly haikus with your group! Rule #1: Don’t say your word out loud; don’t tell other groups what your word is. Rule #2: Don’t use your assigned word in the poem. Rule #3: Write a haiku to your object or person. Your poem can be silly, but it must also be descriptive. The other groups will try to guess what or whom you were writing to.

GUESS WHO! When you flip your hair, Girls head in your direction; Oooh, that UK style.