Haiku Poems for Kids – Tips to Write With Examples

If you are a fan of short poetry, chances are you would have heard of a ‘Haiku’. It’s a three-lined poem about the simplest and the most usual things. They can be deep, funny, plain or witty or anything the poet wishes it to be. Although it looks simple on the surface, a Haiku traditionally involves a deep spiritual state of mind while its modern version is more friendly and approachable to all. So whether you are looking for nature, family or summer haiku for kids, this article will show how it can be composed by kids.

What Is a Haiku?

A Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry which consists of three lines that do not rhyme. Traditionally it is written to capture the essence of the moment where the poet finds himself in the middle of his Haiku insight. There is no concept, logic, rationalism or feeling involved in the composition of one and neither is it open for interpretation and instead reflects the deep enlightenment of the composer. Haikus gained popularity by the writings of the famous Japanese poet Basho (1644-1694), who brought the poems out to be appreciated by all.

In its modern form, Haikus can be composed by anyone on any number of topics. Generally, the topics of interest involve abstract concepts, seasons, nature, events, etc. Haikus for children can involve any topic to introduce them to the style of poetry.

How to Write Haiku for Kids?

Writing Haikus are simple and fun once the kids get a hang of it. Here is how to go about writing haikus:

What You Will Need

• Pencils or pens
• Paper
• Coloured pencils
• Imagination

Instructions

• A Haiku can be written about anything. As a group activity select a topic such as the weather, seasons, family, friends, playtime, animals or any other topic of choice.
• The essence of a haiku is to condense the whole topic into three lines. It needs to begin and end with a short descriptor in the middle.
• The tricky part of a Haiku is to stick to the syllables. The rule is that the first line always has 5 syllables, the second line has exactly 7 syllables while the third line has 5 syllables again.

Tips for Kids to Write Their Own Haiku Poem

1. Before they can compose their own, kids have to gain an understanding of what a Haiku is and what its purpose is. Start by telling them that Haikus are a wonderful way to write about their favorite topic in as few lines as possible. Readout examples to help them understand how to write one and build a sense of how to interpret it.
2. Pick a topic to write the haiku about. Individual topics can be fun but common topics in a classroom can help them come up with different creative ideas for the same subject. Once the topic is chosen, have them write down words that describe the subject they have chosen. The list can help them choose easily while drafting the lines.
3. Stress on the 5-7-5 syllable rule for writing Haikus. Ensure that the kids understand what syllables are and how to recognize them in words. If necessary use a dictionary to find syllables. A good exercise is to have them clap the words of each line and count along.
4. While composing the Haiku lines instruct them to describe as many ideas as possible with fewer words and make it as vivid as possible. The idea is not to construct complete thoughts but describe the emotion or the visual experience of the subject.
5. The key is simplicity and the last line could make a description or complement the first two lines. Unexpected relationships formed between the ideas in the lines come very close to traditional Haikus.

Haiku Poems Examples for Kids

These examples will give you an understanding of haiku poems for children:

Traditional Haiku example by the master Matsuo Basho:

An old silent pond…
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.

Autumn moonlight-
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.

Here are examples of funny haikus for kids:

You be my jelly
I’ll be your peanut butter
Let’s stick together.

My homework is late.
My dog ate it this morning.
I sure like my dog.

Here are “What am I” Haiku examples for kids:

Green and speckled legs,
Hop on logs and lily pads
Splash in cool water.

In a pouch I grow,
On a southern continent —
Strange creatures I know.

Haiku Poems About Family

Here are some interesting family Haikus:

1. Family Love
   Like the sun rises
   each morning and sets each night,
   family love is.

2. Family Love and Harmony
   A family love
   makes the world sing out with joy.
   Nature’s harmony.

3. Family as Friends
   When spring is tired,
   summer swoops in like a friend.
   Season family.

4. Valentine’s
   Hearts represent love
   Love is a beautiful thing
   Valentine’s Day love.

5. Family and Hope
   As does a rainbow
   after a storm, family
   gives hope and a bridge.

6. Togetherness
   We run our own ways
   from the sunrise till sunset,
   then meet in our den.

Haiku Poems About Seasons & Festivals

Seasons and festivals are good Haiku topics. Here are some examples:

1. Easter Bunny
   Easter bunny hides
   Easter eggs are out of sight
   Kids look everywhere.

2. Joy of Spring
   Spring is in the air
   Flowers are blooming sky high
   Children are laughing.

3. Snowflakes
   Snowflakes are our friends
   They descend when winter comes
   Making white blankets.

Haiku Poems About Animals & Birds

Here are animals Haikus for kids:

1. The Little Bird
   A little bird sings
   a very beautiful song,
   it is about him.
2. Hummingbird
   A hummingbird’s wings
   soaring beautiful in skies
   looking for his mom.
3. Lonely Mouse
   I have seen a mouse
   all alone one scary night
   it was very sad.

Haiku Poems About Nature

Haikus about Nature are the most popular ones. Here are some examples.

1. The Coast
   Sand scatters the beach
   Waves crash on the sandy shore
   Blue water shimmers.
2. Wilderness
   Nature is beauty
   Wildlife is natures beauty
   Fields are natures smiles.
3. Winter Environment
   Winter is coming.
   Snow will be arriving soon.
   We should rake the leaves.

Haikus are a fun and expressive way to describe a range of things. Kids learning to compose Haikus will learn to adhere to the rules of composition while keeping simplicity at the heart of the description. It is a fun exercise on any day or event.

Also Read: 

Must-Read Poetry Books for Children
Super Funny Poems for Children
Witty Limerick Poems for Children