Summary & Questions of 4/28

Svendson, Alice. "Season It With Haiku." TESOL Journal 1138. Print.

Written Summary:

Most of the teachers of ESL/EFL may think that teaching poetry is for advanced levels, writing classes, or literature courses. However, a poem stile called haiku is appropriate for students of many levels and from teens to adults. Haiku can also be used to focus on the season, and is an easy and enjoyable way for students to be expressive and creative.

It is true that traditional haiku is difficult to read and write. However, explaining haiku isn’t too difficult. Haiku is a form of poetry that is short, three lines that forms of lines that forms a 5-7-5 syllable, contains words related to natures or seasons, and conveys an emotion of a particular moment. In addition, you should avoid using the past tense and the ‘be’ verb.

When the instructors introduce haiku to the class, they can do it by using posters, blackboards, overhead transparencies - what we call “OHP” in Japanese-English - or even by Microsoft PowerPoint. In addition, if time permits, teachers can allow the students to read one another’s haiku.

Writer says that writing haiku is a very peaceful and reflective experience. Also, it allows them to discover the creative poet within and helps build self-confidence.


Questions:

1: Have you ever written haiku in English? If yes, when was it? If no, do you want to?

2: Have you ever read a haiku written in English? If yes, do you remember the name of that poem and the poet? Have you ever read his/her haiku in Japanese? If no, do you want to read it in English? Why? / Why not?

3: If you are a teacher of English in Japan, will you do this lesson? Why or Why not?

4: Do you agree with the writer’s opinion? Why? / Why not?