Haiku is an interesting form of poetry that can be a lot of fun for children and adults alike. There are a number of different types of haiku for kids, including silly and fun poems. On the other hand, such poems may also cover some serious matters, usually addressing tough issues in a lighter way. Haiku is, above all, a good form of expression.
The art of haiku poetry began with the Japanese. These short poems are meant to capture a moment in just a few words, or more precisely, in just a few syllables. Haiku creates vivid imagery through the use of descriptive language.
The commonly used structure of this form of poetry is three lines, combining a total of 17 syllables. There are five syllables in the first line, seven in the second line, five again in the third line. Of course, this formula is not set in stone, and many people create their own types of haiku for kids using different formulas.
Capturing, and often sharing, the moment is the most important element. Writing something down is one way to remember specific events. Doing so in the form of haiku helps one remember and describe what they felt at that time, rather than just retaining a simple summation of the experience.
While early haiku for kids revolved around nature, any subject can be portrayed through this type of poetry. Many of the topics found still contain items from nature, such as animals, trees, flowers, the wind and other elements of weather, insects, and more. These items are often fascinating to children as they grow and begin to explore their world.
Haiku for kids can also just be silly or funny. Poems might address school, friends, family, pets, everyday life, and all the crazy things that can happen in a given day. A bird flying through the window in the middle of class can be related in a much more exciting way through the use of haiku, than simply telling someone about it in typical fashion.
Sometimes haiku for kids can be a bit more on the serious side, expressing many feelings such as love or concern or even pain. Many important issues can be expressed creatively, since there is no right or wrong when it comes to feelings. Sometimes, a child that doesn’t feel like discussing an issue aloud might agree to write down his or her feelings especially using a simple and interesting outlet such as poetry.