I got this activity from our Prefecture SDC last November, and I think it's a fun way to practice their vocabulary.
Some students may not like even Japanese Haiku writing, more so English, but it's up to the ALT to hype it up, and show the differences in topics and rules versus Japanese Haiku.
(Explain how versus Japanese Haiku, where it's only about seasons and nature, English Haiku can be anything! Funny, unserious, a Valentines' love letter to someone, about yourself, your idol, a classmate or teacher, about favorite food, etcetera. Explain how non-words can be used to make the haiku even more fun. (Non-words: real names, expressions/sound effects, repeating syllables for emphasis, elongating syllable sounds for emphasis, shortening some words to fit the syllable requirement, etc.)
Lesson Plan:
1. Students listen to the teacher’s explanation of how Haiku is famous all over the world, and is studied by students even in the Philippines. (Filipino and English subjects) But there are a few differences in English Haiku and Japanese Haiku.
2. Teacher gives examples of English Haiku.
3. Students receive a Haiku Worskheet and a blank piece of paper.
4. Students write their own English Haiku.
5. Tablets are not allowed. Students use the words they learned.
6. Teachers can help in counting syllables.
Files Include:
Haiku Writing Worksheet (a space to write English words and count syllables, a space for Haiku - 3 lines)
English Haiku Examples - to be displayed on TV, so ALT can demonstrate the many ways to shorten the syllables, or other fillers/non-words that can be used.
Notes to highlight with students:
Explain how syllables are formed/counted - mouth shape, and usually one vowel each.
Explain exceptions (ending Y is usually a vowel I sound, ending E is usually a silent vowel, therefore no sound/syllable. Double vowels like EE, OO are just 1 sound/1 syllable. And so on.)
Explain how this is different from counting ON in Japanese Haiku. Example: the name Seiru is Se-i-ru in Japanese, but Sei-ru in English. Nonda is No-n-da in Japanese, Non-da in English.
Explain the many ways to shorten syllables:
Combining words: from I am > I'm, I will > I'll
Shortening words (when applicable, in terms of how it is actually/sometimes pronounced): from Feb-ru-a-ry to Feb-r'a-ry, cho-co-lates to choc-lates
using slang
ways to add syllables:
Add filler words like: so, very
Add expressions: wow, yay!, ooooh, oh!, aaahh
Add sound effects: BAM! SNAP! BOOM!
Repeat some syllables or some words for emphasis: many, many chocolates. go-go-go-Goei (my student's name), Ha-ha-ha-happy