Write a haiku
Write a three-line haiku poem practicing the 5-7-5 syllable pattern, exploring nature imagery and concise expression while learning rhythm and descriptive words.
Step-by-step guide to write a three-line haiku poem
Step 1
Find a quiet spot where you can look at nature.
Step 2
Look around and pick one natural thing to write about.
Step 3
Spend two minutes noticing details about that thing using your eyes ears and touch.
Step 4
Write five descriptive words or short phrases about that thing on your paper.
Step 5
Choose three of those words that feel the strongest.
Step 6
Circle the three chosen words on your paper.
Step 7
Practice counting syllables by clapping or saying a few words slowly.
Step 8
Write a first line that has exactly five syllables.
Step 9
Write a second line that has exactly seven syllables.
Step 10
Write a third line that has exactly five syllables.
Step 11
Read your haiku out loud to check its rhythm and flow.
Step 12
Make small word changes to sharpen the image or fix any syllable counts.
Step 13
Share your finished haiku on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have paper or a pen to write the five descriptive words and circle the three chosen words?
If you don't have paper or a pen to write the five descriptive words and circle the three chosen words, use a phone or tablet notes app (or take a photo of the object and draw circles on the image) or jot the words on a napkin or leaf.
I'm having trouble counting syllables during the 'practice counting syllables by clapping' step — what should we try so our 5-7-5 lines work?
During the 'practice counting syllables by clapping' step, break words into vowel sounds as you clap and say each line slowly to hear beats, then swap words for synonyms or check an online syllable counter when you need to make the small word changes to fix counts.
How can we adapt this haiku activity for different ages while keeping steps like the two-minute noticing and circling three words?
For ages 4–6, shorten the noticing to one minute and use three simple descriptive words with an adult writing and circling the three strongest, for ages 7–9 keep the two-minute noticing and 5-7-5 with guided prompts, and for 10+ encourage independent circling, more precise sensory words, revision, and sharing on DIY.org.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the haiku after reading it aloud and making small word changes?
After reading your haiku aloud and making small word changes, illustrate the natural thing on the same paper, record a short video reciting the haiku, or photograph the subject and post the haiku plus image to DIY.org to build a nature-haiku series.
Facts about poetry for kids
✂️ A kireji (cutting word) in Japanese haiku creates a pause or twist—English poets use punctuation or line breaks for the same effect.
🍂 Haiku is a short Japanese poetic form that often focuses on nature and the seasons.
🌱 Haiku usually captures a single vivid moment or image, making it great practice for concise, descriptive writing.
🗾 Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) is one of the most famous haiku poets and helped popularize the form.
🔢 Traditional Japanese haiku counts 17 morae (sound units), so the English 5-7-5 rule is an approximation.
How do I teach my child to write a 5-7-5 haiku about nature?
What materials do I need to write a haiku with my child?
What ages is writing haiku suitable for children?
What are the benefits of writing haiku for kids?
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