What Is a Haiku
📋 What it is
A haiku is a three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, often about nature.
🗣️ Coach says
A haiku is a tiny poem with a big rule: three lines of 5, 7, then 5 syllables. Traditionally it captures one small moment in nature. The tight count forces you to choose every word carefully.
🧠 Memory hook
Haiku = 5-7-5 syllables, three lines. A snapshot of one moment.
😂 Giggle
Why did the limerick throw a party?
Because it loves a good bouncy rhythm and a funny ending!
😲 Whoa!
Haiku began in Japan over 400 years ago — the master Bashō wrote thousands, some still famous today.
✅ Quick check: How many syllables should the middle line of a haiku have?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
7 — the pattern is 5-7-5.
A haiku's three lines follow the fixed 5-7-5 syllable count.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Count the syllables in each line of a haiku you find. Does it fit 5-7-5?