Minds On
Let’s explore the following poem
Explore the following poem by Laura Salas. What do you notice about the structure of the poem? What is the poem about? What do you imagine as your explore the poem?
Record your ideas using a method of your choice.
If possible, practice reading the poem aloud. Pay close attention to the syllables in the words as you practice.
Action
Haiku (5-7-5)
Laura Salas’s poem in the Minds On section celebrates the summer season. It’s also an example of a haiku poem. What is a haiku?
A haiku is a short, non-rhyming poem. It’s also a form of poetry that began in Japan hundreds of years ago and has become appreciated around the world.
Haiku poems follow a special structure. They use exactly 17 syllables, and the syllables are arranged in three lines of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and 5 syllables. For example:
- (5 syllables)–I love summer fields
- (7 syllables)–Left field, right field, center field
- (5 syllables)–I fly to them all!
Laura Purdie Salas (2019)
Counting syllables
Explore the following Counting Syllables Chart.
| How do we count the syllables in a word? |
|---|
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Words can be divided into parts and these parts are called, “syllables.” The number of syllables in a word depends on its number of vowel sounds (not the number of vowels in the word). For example, the word “cave” has 1 vowel sound (1 syllable). The word, “exhale” (ex-hale) has 2 vowel sounds (2 syllables). There are different methods you can use to count syllables, including the chin method and the clap method. Let’s start with the chin method. Rest your hand under your chin and say or mouth a word slowly. Try to say or mouth the word “winter.” How many times does your chin drop onto your hand? Next up, let’s try the clap method. For the clap method, try to clap your hands together each time you notice a vowel sound. For example, win-ter has two vowel sounds. Two vowel sounds, two syllables, two claps. |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Counting Syllables Chart.
Traditional Japanese haiku focus on nature. However, more modern examples of the form can be about anything. When the poems focus on nature, they include a kigo, which is a season word. For example, trees beginning to bud and flower are an indication of spring, chirping grasshoppers an indication of summer, falling leaves an indication of fall, and snowbanks an indication of winter.
- A kigo can also be obvious or easy to notice. For example, in Salas’s poem, she uses the word “summer,” to indicate the summer season.
Every word counts
Because haiku are short, it’s important to carefully select each word and to use descriptive words. Descriptive words help the poet capture a moment in time and they help the reader and/or listener create images in their mind.
As an example, here’s another one of Salas’s poems. Take a moment to explore the poem. Whom is this poem about? Which season this haiku is about? How do you know? Which words or lines help you to create pictures in your mind?
Again, if possible, practice reading the poem aloud. Pay close attention to the syllables in the words as you practice.
Salas has carefully selected words to spotlight the perspective of a bear in winter. How do we know this poem is told from the perspective of a bear during the winter season?
Press ‘Evidence’ to reveal the details about the haiku.
While this is not explicitly stated in the poem, we can use clues from the text such as “in fur coat and cave” and the use of the personal pronoun, “I.”
Next to the illustration of a sleeping bear, we can also infer that this haiku is about winter because the bear exhales “white clouds of breath,” which refers to the misty cloud we see when we breathe in cold weather. The bear is also dreaming of sun, green, and spring which is the season that follows winter.
Painting pictures with words
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
Let’s practice coming up with descriptive words. What words would you use to describe your favourite season?
If possible, working with a partner, brainstorm a list of descriptive words for your favourite season. Record your ideas using a method of your choice.
- Quick tip: it might be helpful to consider words that describe the weather.
Check the Seasons Descriptive Words chart for some inspiration.
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
|
blossoming buzzing chirping growing breezy bright sprouting refreshing |
humid sun-filled cloudless sweaty air-conditioned cheerful leisurely sizzling |
cooling colourful rustling harvest wilted blustery rainy changing |
chilly leafless sparkling slushy gusty brisk sniffly slippery |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Seasons Descriptive Words.
Next, select a few words from your list and use them to “paint” a picture of that season. Whether you choose to describe the weather, an experience, or an object, describe it as though it is happening now. Capture the moment!
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Be the poet
Create your haiku. You may work independently or with a partner.
Keep in mind that the first line should have 5 syllables, the second 7 syllables, and the third has 5 syllables.
Complete the Haiku Poem template in your notebook or using the following fillable activity document. You can also record your haiku poem using a method of your choice.
Please note: If you plan to read your poem aloud, consider some vocal effects. These include tone, pace, and volume. Be sure to practice reading it through several times, speak slowly and clearly, and read in a way that suits the message.
“5 syllables” at the beginning of the first line,
“7 syllables” at the beginning of the second line and,
“5 syllables” at the beginning of the third line.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Haiku Poem Template.
Consolidation
Think about what you have learned
After you have created your haiku, share it with a partner, if possible.
Then, use the following questions to reflect on your learning. You can record your responses using a method of your choice.
- What have you learned as you created the haiku that you can use to make your oral presentations more effective?
- How do descriptive words help to communicate meaning and engage readers and/or listeners?
- Do you think that an illustration would enhance the message in your haiku? Why or why not?
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.