Simple Explanation of Haiku for Kids
Whatโs a haiku?
A haiku is a tiny poem that comes from Japan.
It has just three lines and talks about things you can see, hear, or feel โ like flowers, frogs, rainbows, or snow! โ๏ธ๐ธ๐ธ
โจ Haiku Rules (The Super Simple Way!)
๐ A haiku has three lines:
- Line 1: 5 syllables
- Line 2: 7 syllables
- Line 3: 5 syllables
๐ Whatโs a syllable?
Itโs the beats in a word โ like how you clap! ๐
๐ Ap-ple = 2 syllables
๐ธ Fro-g = 1 syllable
๐ Ba-loon = 2 syllables
Try clapping each word to count!
๐ Haiku Examples
Here are some haiku written just for kids:
Spring Flowers
Yellow daffodils (5)
Wiggle in the springtime breeze (7)
Bees are buzzing by (5)
Rainy Day
Drip, drop on the roof (5)
I wear my red raincoat now (7)
Splash in every puddle! (5)
At the Zoo
Big elephant walks (5)
Slowly with his floppy ears (7)
I wave and he smiles (5)
๐๏ธ Letโs Write Your Own Haiku!
- Look Around โ What do you see outside? A bird? A cloud? A bug?
- Say it out loud โ Think of what it looks or sounds like.
- Clap it out โ Count the syllables! Try 5โ7โ5.
- Write it down โ It doesnโt need to rhyme. Just be YOU!
๐คฃ Funny Haiku Examples for Kids
Haikus don't always have to be serious or about nature! They can be silly, too:
The Hungry Dog
I smell a hot dog (5)
Drool is dropping on the floor (7)
Oops I ate it all (5)
Messy Room
Toys are everywhere (5)
Mom said clean it up right now (7)
But I am so tired (5)
๐งธ Haiku Writing Fun!
Here are some fun ideas to help you start:
- ๐จ Draw a picture first, then write a haiku about it.
- ๐ Go on a nature walk and look for something tiny to write about.
- ๐ถ Listen to sounds like wind, birds, or rain โ write about what you hear!
- ๐ธ Look at a photo and make up a haiku story about it.
๐ก Haiku Magic Tip
Haikus are like a tiny movie in your head โ just one moment! Try to show, not tell.
Instead of:
I feel happy today.
Try:
Sun is in my eyes
My swing flies up to the sky
I giggle so loud
๐ Letโs Try One Together!
Letโs write a haiku about ice cream:
Cold ice on my tongue (5)
Melts so fast in the sunshine (7)
Drips down to my chin (5)
Yum! ๐ฆ
๐บ Best YouTube Videos: How to Write a Haiku for Kids
If you prefer learning by watching, here are some of the best YouTube videos that teach kids how to write a haiku poem:
- Haiku Poems for Kids by BuzzWithBee: A simple video that teaches the 5-7-5 syllable structure with fun "What am I?" animal examples.
- How to Write a Haiku Poem | Poetry Writing for Kids by Ms. Dorismond: A comprehensive poetry writing lesson for kids that takes you from brainstorming to the final poem.
- Haiku Poems For Kids by The Touring Teacher: A great resource for the classroom, explaining traditional Japanese poetry in a way kids can easily understand.
๐ Best Haiku Books for Kids
Reading haiku is the best way to learn how to write them! Here are some beautifully illustrated books you can check out from the library:
- "Hi, Koo!" by Jon J. Muth: Follow a lovable panda through the four seasons in these gentle, sweet alphabet haikus.
- "Wabi Sabi" by Mark Reibstein: A beautifully told story about a cat discovering the meaning of wabi-sabi, interspersed with haiku.
- "Dogku" by Andrew Clements: A hilarious and heartwarming book written entirely in haiku from the perspective of a dog.
๐จ๏ธ Free Haiku for Kids Printable Worksheet
Parents and teachers, do you need a physical activity for your students?
Download our Free Haiku 5-7-5 Printable Worksheet Here!
Note: This worksheet includes a space to draw a picture, clapping and syllable counting practice, and a template for their very first haiku poem.
๐ป Interactive Haiku Worksheet Builder
Want to create your own custom haiku worksheets?
Try our Free Interactive Worksheet Builder!
Choose from 5 different worksheet templates with unique writing prompts, customize the font, and generate a free, print-ready PDF download instantly.
๐ฅณ You're a Haiku Hero!
Now itโs your turn! Go write a haiku and share it with your teacher, your family, or a friend.
Remember: just 3 lines, count the claps, and have fun! ๐