Introduction
hello and welcome
to the fun haiku WebQuest
Japanese poem
Look! You have already read your first haiku! A haiku is a short, unrhymed poem that consists of three lines (the first line is 5 syllables, the second line is 7 syllables, and the third line is 5 syllables). This poem originates from Japan and traditionally focused on nature and changing of the seasons, but it has modernized to include many different themes.
Task
Upon completion of this WebQuest, you will become an expert on the haiku! You will...
1. learn the structure and origin of haiku.
2. be able to identify a haiku in the wild!
2. be able to write a haiku in no time!
3. be confident in analyzing classic and modern haikus!
Process
Step 1: What is Haiku?
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Visit the following sites to learn about haiku:
📓 Answer in your Haiku Journal:
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What defines a haiku?
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What is a “kigo”? What is a “kireji”?
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Who was Bashō, and why is he important?
Step 2: Read and Reflect
Choose and read at least 5 classic haiku by Japanese or modern poets. You can find these at:
💬 Write a short reflection on your favorite one. What makes it powerful or beautiful?
Step 3: Try It Yourself
Write three original haiku that:
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Follow the 5–7–5 syllable structure
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Include at least one kigo (seasonal word)
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Try to include a natural break or shift (kireji)
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Use vivid imagery and emotional subtlety
Use this Haiku Planner to help brainstorm:
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Season:
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Nature image:
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Mood/emotion:
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Shift or contrast idea:
Step 4: Publish and Present
Create a digital haiku poster or slide presentation for your best haiku using:
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Google Slides / Canva / PowerPoint / Padlet
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Include a background image, your poem, and a short artist’s statement
Step 5: Peer Review
In small groups or using online tools like Google Classroom or Flipgrid:
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Share your haiku
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Give constructive feedback using the Haiku Rubric
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Vote on class favorites for a “Haiku Wall of Fame”
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent (5 pts) | Good (4 pts) | Satisfactory (3 pts) | Needs Improvement (1–2 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure & Syllable Count | Follows 5–7–5 syllable pattern exactly | Slight variation (1–2 syllables off total) | Noticeable errors in pattern, but still resembles a haiku | Incorrect or inconsistent syllable count throughout |
| Use of Nature or Seasonal Theme (Kigo) | Strong, vivid natural imagery or seasonal reference | Clear reference to nature or season | Indirect or weak reference to nature | No nature or seasonal imagery present |
| Use of a Cutting Word or Shift (Kireji) | Clear break or juxtaposition with deep effect | Some shift in tone or imagery | Attempt at a shift, but lacks clarity or impact | No noticeable shift or contrast |
| Imagery & Word Choice | Vivid, concise, and evocative language that shows, not tells | Mostly strong imagery; good use of sensory language | Some descriptive words, but lacks vividness | Language is vague, generic, or unclear |
| Emotional/Philosophical Depth | Captures a moment of insight, reflection, or emotion subtly | Expresses a clear feeling or mood | Slight emotional content; surface-level meaning | Lacks depth or meaningful expression |
Conclusion
Now you have seen how haiku can be used to instill powerful emotions and vivid images in just 17 syllables. You have read haiku that connects you to nature, reflection, and tradition. Congratulations poet-in-training!
Credits
ChatGPT
“History of Haiku.” Poets.Org, Academy of American Poets, poets.org/search?combine=history%2Bof%2Bhaiku. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Kramer, Lindsay. “A Guide to Haiku: Definition, Structure, and Examples.” Grammarly, 17 Apr. 2025, www.grammarly.com/blog/creative-writing/how-to-write-haiku/.
The Haiku Foundation, 4 Apr. 2025, thehaikufoundation.org/.
“Poetry Foundation.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
“Welcome to Modern Haiku.” Welcome to Modern Haiku, www.modernhaiku.org/. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Teacher Page
WebQuest Title: Tiny Verse, Big Ideas
Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)
Subject Area, English, drama
Duration: 2-3 class periods
Execution: haiku printable planning sheet, editable rubric, "Haiku Hike" which allows students to write based off of nature