Unit Plan

Haiku - Poetry of the Samurai Warrior

By Cate Sanazaro
  • Grades: 6–8

Overview

This unit teaches the beautiful simplicity of Haiku, and introduces the peaceful ways of the Samurai. The unit begins with Internet research encouraging students to learn about the ancient Japanese Samurai, and ends with a cultural day where students exhibit their Haiku writings.

Objective

Students will:
  1. Practice research skills using technology.
  2. Locate information using a variety of resources.
  3. Employ relevant pre-writing strategies and organizational techniques.
  4. Identify literary elements, such as mood and dominant impression.
  5. Respond to creative writing using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes.
  6. Apply knowledge to create Haiku poetry.
  7. Create appropriate visual presentations.

Lesson Plans for this Unit

Culminating Activity

Students present Haiku and display visual presentations while enjoying a day of Japanese cultural activities.

Supporting Books

Books for Teaching Poetry and Motivating Poets

  • Subjects:
    Content Area Reading, Independent Reading, Reading Comprehension, Research Skills, Literary Response, Poetry Writing, Asian History, Asian and Asian American, Ancient Civilizations, Japanese and Japanese American, Visual Arts, National Poetry Month, Technology
  • Skills:
    Reading Comprehension, Online Sources, Social Studies, Research Skills, Poetry Writing
  • Duration:
    7 Class Periods
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