Haiku, traditional Japanese verse, is a simple and popular poetry form that can be fun and easy for children
to write. I have taught haiku to Girl Scout day-campers, a Girl Scout troop, and classrooms full of grade school children as a game or activity, rather than a writing exercise, with rewarding results.

Most of the children approach it as a puzzle, and seem really pleased with themselves when they are able to craft a three-line poem that has some meaning. You may want to try the puzzle strategy, especially if your kids aren’t excited about writing poems.

Like any game, haiku has rules:
The haiku purests will tout even stricter rules than these regarding content (traditional haiku includes a set of contrasting images and must include some mention of a season). While some modern haiku writers always set their poems in a season, the verse has evolved to allow just about any topic and to focus more on the imagery or conjuring up an image for the reader.

Rule One:
The first line must be 5 syllables
The second line must be 7 syllables
The third line must be 5 syllables

Rule Two:
The Haiku should be about ONE simple thing.

Take a look at these contest winners written by children at abcteach.com. These are great examples to show your kids just what a Haiku is and how if can be written.

Have fun! Consider adding haiku to your weekly writing exercises. It encourages critical thinking and expands the vocabulary.