20 Short Haiku Poems for Kids

Haiku is a form of poetry that originated in Japan. It’s known for its simple structure, with three lines containing five, seven, and five syllables, respectively. Haikus are a great way for kids to express themselves creatively and observe the world around them. In this article, we will share 20 haiku poems for kids, each capturing a moment in nature or daily life. These poems are easy to understand and fun to read, perfect for inspiring young minds to create their own poems!

1. The Dancing Leaves

Leaves are spinning fast,

Whirling like a ballerina,

Autumn calls to them.

2. The Shining Sun

The sun in the sky,

Warming earth with golden light,

Birds sing as they fly.

3. Rainy Day Fun

Pitter-patter drops,

Splashing puddles on the ground,

Raindrops dance with joy.

4. Friendly Bear

A bear in the woods,

Stomps through trees, so big and strong,

But he waves hello.

5. The Snowflake’s Dance

Snowflakes softly fall,

Spinning in a winter breeze,

Making skies feel cold.

6. Busy Bees

Buzzing through the air,

Bees move flowers with their wings,

Honey fills the hive.

7. The Little Fish

A fish swims so fast,

Through the clear and cool blue sea,

It glides with such grace.

8. Morning Dew

Morning dew drops shine,

Sparkling like tiny jewels,

On the soft green grass.

9. The Butterfly

A butterfly,

Wings painted in rainbow hues,

Flutters in the sun.

10. Stars at Night

Stars up in the sky,

Twinkling in the dark, so bright,

Whispering their song.

11. The Big Mountain

Tall and mighty peak,

Touching clouds and feeling snow,

It watches over.

12. A Gentle Breeze

A gentle breeze blows,

Rustling through the tall green grass,

Whispers all around.

13. The Hopping Frog

Frog leaps from the pond,

Splashing water everywhere,

Hopping to the shore.

14. Quiet Night Sky

The moon’s shining bright,

Stars peek through the velvet sky,

The world sleeps below.

15. The Tree’s Story

An old tree stands tall,

Its branches stretch through the years,

Sharing tales with winds.

16. The Playful Puppy

Puppy chases tails,

With paws so soft and fuzzy,

Laughing all the way.

17. Clouds in the Sky

Fluffy clouds drift by,

Some are shaped like teddy bears,

Others like ice cream.

18. The Sleeping Owl

The owl in the tree,

Watches quietly at night,

Waiting for the dawn.

19. The Ocean Waves

Waves crash on the shore,

Foamy sea kisses the sand,

Calling out for me.

20. The Little Seed

A tiny seed falls,

Waiting for the sun to rise,

To stretch and grow tall.

Haiku Poems for Kids Tips:

Writing haiku poems can be a fun and creative way for kids to explore their thoughts and feelings. The simple structure of haiku helps them focus on nature, the world around them, and even their imaginations. Here are some helpful tips to guide kids as they write their own haikus:

1. Understand the Structure

Haiku follows a specific syllable pattern: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. This structure helps keep the poem short and focused, making it easy for kids to write and understand. Encourage them to count the syllables as they write each line.

2. Focus on Nature

Haiku often reflects the beauty of nature. Encourage kids to observe the world around them—whether it's a bird in the sky, a flower blooming, or the rain falling. The more they pay attention to nature, the easier it will be to find inspiration for their haikus.

3. Keep It Simple

Haikus don’t need complicated words or concepts. Keep it simple and direct. Kids should focus on capturing a single moment, feeling, or image. They don't need to tell a whole story—just one small snapshot.

4. Use Sensory Words

Encourage kids to use words that appeal to the senses. Haikus often focus on what we see, hear, feel, or smell. For example, they might write about the “warm sun” (sight) or the “soft breeze” (touch).

5. Try Seasonal Themes

Haiku often reflect the seasons. Kids can write about what they see and feel during different times of the year. Spring, summer, fall, and winter each offer unique sights, sounds, and feelings to explore in a haiku.

6. Let the Imagery Shine

Since haiku is a form of poetry, it’s important to use descriptive words that paint a vivid picture. Encourage kids to describe things in a way that helps others imagine what they’re writing about. Instead of just saying “a tree,” they might write “branches sway in the breeze.”

7. Experiment with Emotions

Haikus don’t always have to be about nature. Kids can write about their emotions or experiences too. A haiku about feeling excited, sad, or calm can capture those feelings in just three lines.

8. Use Line Breaks Wisely

Line breaks are important in haiku to help create pauses and give the reader time to reflect on each line. Encourage kids to think about where they want to place breaks in their poem to make it flow.

9. Don’t Worry About Rhyming

Unlike many poems, haiku don’t need to rhyme. Focus on creating an image or feeling rather than making the words rhyme. This allows kids to be more creative and free in their writing.

10. Read Examples for Inspiration

Reading other haikus can help spark inspiration. Share some well-known haikus with the kids, like those written by famous Japanese poets, or some of the haikus you’ve written in your article. Seeing how others use the 5-7-5 structure can give them a better understanding of how to write their own.

11. Have Fun with It!

Most importantly, haiku should be fun! Let kids experiment and explore their own ideas. Don’t worry about making every line perfect; the goal is to enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and meaningful in just a few short lines.

Check out More: 35 Haiku Poem Exemples: A Journey Through Nature, Seasons, and Emotion

Conclusion

Haiku poems are a wonderful way to connect with nature and the world around us. By writing these simple yet expressive poems, children can learn how to observe and describe the beauty in everyday moments. Encourage kids to try writing their own haikus—whether they’re inspired by a rainy day, a playful pet, or a quiet starry night. Haikus teach children the power of simplicity and how to capture emotions in just a few words. So grab a pencil and paper, and let the creativity flow!