World Poetry Day / Nature Haiku Hunt
Nature Haiku Hunt
Children head outside to look closely at nature, then write haiku, a short poetry form from Japan, using their observations.
How to run it
- Explain that haiku is a poetry form from Japan, often written in three lines with five, seven and five syllables, and often about nature or the seasons.
- Take children outside with clipboards to find one small thing to observe, like a leaf, a bug or a cloud.
- Have them jot down words for what they see, hear and feel, clapping out syllables to check.
- Shape the words into a three-line haiku and share them sitting in a circle outdoors.
You will need
- clipboards
- paper
- pencils
Make it easier or harderYounger children say their haiku aloud while an educator writes it down; older children add a reference to the current season.
SafetyCheck the outdoor area for hazards and remind children not to touch insects or unknown plants.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 3Observing nature closely and writing about it builds mindful attention and language skills.
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