Haiku Poetry: A Culturally Relevant Approach to Teaching Poetry
As a teacher, I have always been passionate about using culturally relevant approaches to education. It is essential that we empower our students by creating learning experiences that are meaningful and relevant to their lives. And haiku poetry can be an excellent tool for achieving this goal.
When I introduced my 8th grade middle school students to haiku poetry, I was amazed at how it transformed the classroom. Beyond the literary devices and creative writing skills, haiku poetry offers an opportunity to explore social justice issues and cultural diversity.
WHAT IS A HAIKU?
Haiku poetry originated in Japan, but it has since spread to other parts of the world. It is a form of poetry that celebrates nature, emotions, and everyday life in a concise and powerful way. By teaching haiku poetry through a culturally relevant lens, we can help our students to connect with different cultures and perspectives.
HOW DO I TEACH HAIKU POETRY?
To begin the lesson, I introduced my students to the basic structure of haiku poetry. Then, we explored different themes and topics from a social justice perspective. For example, we wrote haiku poems about environmental degradation, the immigrant experience, and the beauty of diverse cultures.
One student wrote:
Fresh air fills my lungs,
But the smoke from the factories
Destroys my home.
Another student wrote:
A new place to live,
Leaving behind all I know,
I am still human.
WHY TEACH HAIKU
By asking our students to write haiku poems about social justice issues, we are encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings in a creative and meaningful way. This process allows students to connect with their emotions, develop empathy for others, and explore different perspectives.
To take the learning experience even further, we discussed the history and culture of haiku poetry and how it has evolved over time. We explored the work of contemporary poets who use haiku to address societal issues such as racism, inequality, and discrimination.
By teaching haiku poetry through a culturally relevant lens, we can help our students to see the power of language as a tool of resistance, a way to challenge the status quo and push for change. It is a way to explore multiple perspectives and create a more inclusive and just society.
In conclusion, haiku poetry can be a powerful tool for social justice education. To get you started, check out this Haiku Lesson Plan, Editable Google Slides, and Handouts. By using culturally relevant approaches to teach haiku, we can empower our students to become critical thinkers, empathetic individuals, and socially responsible citizens.
Sources:
"Haiku and Social Justice." Haiku Society of America. https://www.hsa-haiku.org/haiku-and-social-justice/
"Teaching Haiku Poetry: Links, Resources, Ideas." Education World. https://www.educationworld.com/a_tsl/archives/05-1/lesson005.shtml
"Culturally Relevant Teaching: Empowering Students through Identity Affirmation." Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/culturally-relevant-teaching-empowering-students-through-identity-affirmation
