Grade 6 students stepped into the poetic world of haikus—short, expressive poems that capture nature, emotions, and moments with simplicity and beauty. The lesson began with an engaging oracy activity where students observed serene nature images and shared the feelings and words that came to mind. This warm-up beautifully set the tone for a lesson rooted in imagery and emotional expression.
Students then explored the structure of haiku poetry—three lines following the 5–7–5 syllable pattern. With the teacher modelling the process on the smartboard, learners collaborated, clapped out syllables, discussed themes, and read sample haikus together. The excitement grew as creativity sparked across the room.
Working in pairs, students used Chromebooks and Padlet to begin crafting their own haikus. Many chose themes inspired by nature—rainfall, mountains, sunsets, seasons—or feelings such as peace, joy, or wonder. They also had the opportunity to add illustrations, bringing their poetic images to life visually.
The lesson concluded with an independent writing task, where each student composed a personal haiku, showcasing their understanding of structure, language, and emotional expression. Through a “Reflection Wall” on Padlet, students shared what they learned, what they enjoyed, and what they found challenging.
This activity not only strengthened their writing skills but also encouraged mindfulness, imagination, and emotional expression. Our young poets truly proved that even in just three short lines, a whole world can bloom.
