Reading, Writing, Haiku Hiking! A Class Book of Picturesque Poems

Overview

From Theory to Practice

OVERVIEW

Using One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Davidson Mannis as an introductory text, students learn to identify elements of haiku poetry. Students go on a class hike to observe nature in their own neighborhood and collect "picturesque" words in their writer's notebooks. They explore syllable counts in their word collections and use descriptive words to compose original haiku. Students then use print and online resources to locate facts for informational notes on the topics of their poems. Finally, students work collaboratively to publish their poetry and notes in an illustrated class book.

back to top

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

Parr, M., & Campbell, T. (2006). Poets in practice. The Reading Teacher, 60, 36–46.

• Poetry encourages word play and exploration of language, connects reading and writing, demonstrates the importance of word choice and word order, and frees students to write creatively.
  
  
• Haiku poems provide a platform for students to explore word counts, syllable counts, and parts of speech.
  
  
• Encouraging students to write poems based on personal experience helps them to view poetry as something connected with everyday life.
  
  
• Teachers should create a safe, low-risk environment in which to share and experience poetry.

Tompkins, G.E. (2006). Literacy for the 21^st century: A balanced approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

• When students work with classmates in pairs and in small groups, they are often more interested and engaged in activities than when they read and write alone.
  
  
• One of the most popular ways for children to publish their writing is by making books.

back to top