National Haiku Poetry Day word search puzzle worksheet activity

National Haiku Poetry Day word search puzzle worksheet activity

National Haiku Poetry Day Word Search - Classroom Activity

I made this word search for my 5th graders last April when we celebrated National Haiku Poetry Day. It's a simple 2-page PDF with 24 poetry-related words hidden in the puzzle - terms like "syllables," "season," and "nature" that we use in our haiku writing.

The words are placed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally just like my students expect from our regular word searches. I printed them on pastel paper to make it feel special for our poetry celebration. The kids worked on it while listening to nature sounds to get inspired for writing their own haikus later.

You'll get:
• Page 1: The word search with a clean, easy-to-read layout
• Page 2: Answer key for when you need to check work quickly

I use this activity:

• To introduce our poetry unit

• As a calm transition after recess

• During library time in April

• For early finishers during writing workshop

The words are ones we actually use when teaching haiku - "kigo," "5-7-5," "imagery" - not just random poetry terms. Last year, my class had fun finding "cherry" right when the trees outside were blooming!

Format: Basic PDF (2 pages)
Teacher Tip: Have students circle three words they might use in their own haiku!