Poetry gives pupils the chance to experiment with language and explore how words can create powerful images. With this KS2 haiku resource pack, you can introduce children to the structure of haikus, share WAGOLL texts (what a good one looks like), and guide them as they plan, draft and present their own poems.
A haiku is a traditional Japanese poem with three lines. The first and third lines each have five syllables, and the second line has seven. Many haikus focus on themes from nature, such as seasons, landscapes, animals or weather. Because the form is short and precise, pupils must choose words carefully, thinking about imagery, rhythm and impact.
This pack uses the theme of nature, making it easy to link with science or geography. It also offers a way to celebrate National Poetry Day in October, giving pupils the tools to read, write and enjoy their own poems.
Model texts included
The pack contains several WAGOLLs for pupils to read and discuss:
- Mud / The Mighty Oak – two haikus that capture playful images of muddy boots and the quiet strength of an old oak tree.
- Grandma’s Garden – three haikus combined into a longer poem, describing colourful flowers, home-grown vegetables and buzzing insects. Pupils can see how single haikus can be linked together to build a vivid picture.
These examples show how poets use poetic techniques, structure, imagery and precise vocabulary to create short but memorable pieces. You can use them for shared reading, annotation or performance before pupils try writing their own.
What’s included in the pack
- Haiku writing sheet with success criteria, examples of adjectives, precise nouns and synonyms
- Haiku ideas sheet for pupils to record words and phrases to use in their poems
- Haiku writing plan to support pupils in planning one haiku or a sequence of linked stanzas
- Themed writing paper to present finished work
Curriculum links
- Years 3-4: recognise different forms of poetry and use model texts to discuss structure, vocabulary and grammar
- Years 5-6: evaluate how authors use figurative language, choose precise grammar and vocabulary to enhance meaning, and explore how synonyms and antonyms affect word choice
This pack gives you everything you need to teach haikus with confidence. Pupils can enjoy reading WAGOLLs, develop their own ideas and write poems that capture the beauty of the natural world.