Haiku - Poetry of the Samurai Warrior

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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.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Who Were the Samurai?
Lesson 2: What is Haiku?
Lesson 3: Be the Poet

REPRODUCIBLES
KWL Research Chart (PDF)
What is Haiku? (PDF)
Haiku Organizer (PDF)

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

Creating a PowerPoint Presentation!
Students perform Internet and print research to compile a report that they will present using PowerPointT multimedia presentation software.

Time Travel Writing Assignment using A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury
Use this unit plan to take advantage of students' fascination with technology, by having them prepare and execute a PowerPoint presentation.

Responses to Literature: Be A Theme Park Designer!
Suggests fun and lively lessons where student apply reading, writing, research, and teamwork skills towards creating a Literature Land Theme Park.

ARTICLE	Web Sitings: Virtual Art, Real Learning Describes how students can use the Internet to see visual representations of the topics they're studying and even create their own virtual art galleries.
LESSON PLAN	What is Haiku? Demonstrates a lesson plan for exposing students to Ancient Japanese culture through reading, writing, discussing, and researching Haiku poetry.