What Is a Haiku? A Fun Introduction to Haiku Poetry for Kids with Examples

Looking for a simple and creative poetry activity to try in your classroom or as a substitute teacher? Haikus are a great way to introduce young students to poetry! These short poems are easy to write, fun to read aloud, and a perfect blend of structure and imagination. In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes a haiku special, go over the rules, and share some examples your students can try.

What are the rules of a haiku poem?

A haiku is a traditional Japanese form of poetry that’s known for being short and focused on nature. The classic structure of a haiku includes:

• 3 lines

• A total of 17 syllables

• Syllable pattern: 5 syllables / 7 syllables / 5 syllables

Haikus often focus on themes like the seasons, weather, animals, or feelings. They don’t have to rhyme. In fact, most haikus don’t rhyme at all! Instead, they aim to capture a moment or mood in just a few words.

What is the most famous haiku?

One of the most famous haikus was written over 300 years ago by Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō. It goes like this:

An old silent pond

A frog jumps into the pond—

Splash! Silence again.

This poem is loved for how it captures a small moment in nature with sound, movement, and stillness.

Can a haiku be 4-6-4?

Technically, no — a traditional haiku must follow the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. However, if you’re working with young kids, writing in a 4-6-4 format can be a fun way to build toward a full haiku. It’s a great scaffold for early writers who are still mastering syllables and sentence rhythm.

That said, to truly be called a haiku, a poem should have 3 lines with 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively.

Haiku examples for kids

Here are a few kid-friendly haikus to inspire your students:

Leaves fall from the trees

Crisp air tickles my pink nose

I zip up my coat

Tiny paw prints show

Snowy steps across the deck

Where did kitty go?

Bright yellow flowers

Stretching to reach the warm sun

Bees are buzzing by

Crunchy red leaves fall

Squirrels dash across the yard

The wind whispers cold

Raindrops on petals

Earth wakes up from its long sleep

Worms wriggle in mud

Snowflakes on my glove

No two are ever the same

Cold magic from sky

Ice cream drips downwards

Sun is hot on my shoulders

Sprinklers scream with joy

Rain taps on the roof

Puddles form beneath my boots

Clouds rumble softly

Tail wags like a fan

Tongue hangs out, eyes full of joy

Best friend by my side

Cat naps in the sun

Whiskers twitch in sleepy dreams

Birds don’t stand a chance

Pencils tap on desks

I raise my hand to be called

Math is kind of fun

Slide, swing, run, and jump

Tag until the bell rings loud

Breathless and smiling

Want a classroom activity? Have your students pick a season or animal, count out syllables together, and write their own haikus! It’s a low-prep, high-creativity task perfect for substitute teachers or quiet afternoons.

Try haikus in your classroom

Whether you’re a full-time teacher or filling in for the day, haikus are a fast and fun way to bring poetry into the classroom. They help students practice syllables, descriptive language, and observation skills — all in three short lines.