'What is a haiku?' I hear you ask…

Haiku is a type of traditional poetry from Japan. It is very easy to do, but there are a few rules to follow.

Firstly, you need to know about syllables.

Syllables are the separate sounds that make up a word. For example ‘Blue Peter’ has three syllables: ‘blue’, ‘pee’ and ‘ter’.

It’s all in the way you pronounce a word – ‘pro-nounce’ has two syllables and ‘hipp-o-pot-a-mus’ has five.

Now you know about syllables, you're ready for...

The three golden rules of haiku:

• There are only three lines in a haiku poem

• The first and last lines have five syllables and the middle line has seven

• The lines don't have to rhyme – in fact they usually don't!

Here is an example:

A sweltering heat – 5 syllables
Followed by an ocean breeze – 7 syllables
Bringing joy to all – 5 syllables

Send your entries to Mr Edmonds (edmondsm@plympton.academy)

All entries will receive Classcharts points and your work will be shared with students and staff!

I look forward to reading your haiku!

Mr Edmonds