Write your own haiku!
Write your own haiku by counting syllables, observing nature, and revising drafts to capture a clear image in seventeen syllables.
About this activity
Write your own haiku by counting syllables, observing nature, and revising drafts to capture a clear image in seventeen syllables.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Go outside or sit by a window and quietly look at nature for five minutes.
- 2
Step 2
Pick one small clear image you noticed like a leaf a bird or raindrops.
- 3
Step 3
Put your paper in front of you and draw three lines or make three blank spaces for your haiku.
- 4
Step 4
Write 8 to 12 words or short phrases that describe your chosen image.
- 5
Step 5
Write a first draft of the top line using words from your list and aim for five syllables.
- 6
Step 6
Write a first draft of the middle line using your words and aim for seven syllables.
- 7
Step 7
Write a first draft of the bottom line using your words and aim for five syllables.
- 8
Step 8
Say each line slowly and clap or tap once for every syllable to count how many each line has.
- 9
Step 9
Change words in any line until the syllable counts are 5 then 7 then 5 and the picture in your poem feels clear.
- 10
Step 10
Read your haiku aloud slowly to hear how it sounds and make one quick word change if needed.
- 11
Step 11
Share your finished haiku on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you write a haiku for kids?
Start by noticing something in natureâsound, color, or motion. Draft three short lines following a 5-7-5 syllable pattern: five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables. Say each line aloud and count syllables by clapping or tapping. Focus on a single clear image, choose vivid nouns and verbs, then revise to remove extra words. Read the haiku together and adjust wording until the image feels sharp and simple.
What materials do I need to write a haiku with my child?
You need only a pencil and paper to write haiku, plus a quiet outdoor spot for observing. Optional extras include a small notebook for nature notes, a clipboard, crayons or markers to illustrate, a smartphone or dictionary to check syllables, and a timer for short writing sessions. None are requiredâhaiku works well with minimal supplies and focuses on listening and watching the world around you.
What ages is writing haiku suitable for?
Haiku suits children roughly ages 5â12, with adjustments: preschoolers can make one-line sensory phrases and practice syllable claps; early elementary kids can try simple 5-7-5 patterns with adult help; older children can explore metaphor, seasonal words, and revision. Tailor expectationsâkeep sessions short for younger kids and invite older children to draft multiple versions and illustrate their favorite haiku.
What are the benefits of having kids write haiku?
Writing haiku builds observation skills, vocabulary, and concise thinking by asking children to capture a clear image in few words. It encourages mindfulness, listening to nature, and emotional expression without pressure. Haiku practice also strengthens syllable awareness, phonological skills, and editing habits. Short form makes it rewarding quickly, boosting confidence and creativity while offering a screen-free, calming activity for families to share.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If we don't have paper or a pencil, what can we use to draw the three lines and write the 8â12 word list?
Use a notebook page, the back of a cereal box or envelope, sticky notes, or a notes/drawing app on a phone or tablet to draw three lines and type or write your word list.
I'm not sure how many syllables my line has when I clapâwhat should I do to get the count right?
If clapping or tapping while you 'say each line slowly' doesn't help, try tapping with a pencil on a table, look up tricky words in an online syllable counter or dictionary, or have someone listen and clap with you.
How can I adapt this haiku activity for younger children or make it harder for older kids?
For younger kids, skip the 8â12 word list and pick 3â5 simple picture words and clap each line together, while older kids can add metaphors, revise lines more, experiment with rhythm during the 'say each line slowly' step, and polish before sharing on DIY.org.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the haiku activity after I finish my poem?
Illustrate your chosen image on the same paper, make a small haiku booklet from several outings, record yourself reading the final poem, or create a decorated page to share your finished haiku on DIY.org.