This short unit (3 lessons) introduces haiku to KS3 students through the theme of journeys. Poetry is often about journeys, both literal and metaphorical, and studying haiku is a simple way to help students connect to their surroundings and produce personal and creative work. Haiku are a part of Japanese culture sometimes mistakenly taught as just a three-line, 5-7-5 syllable poems. This unit aims to give students the real essence of haiku as they work on core literacy skills. Why not also enter the World Children’s Haiku Contest, which is accepting entries until Feb 28 2022. For more details see The Japan Society website.

Learn about the Children’s Festival, celebrated on May 5th in Japan. On this day, called kodomo no hi in Japanese, families pray for the health and happiness of their children. Included is a Powerpoint presentation, short video, lesson plan, and activities including origami instructions to make a samurai helmet and a koi nobori flag template to make a decoration for the festival. Also included is a PDF Activity Pack which is suitable for students to use independently or during extracurricular activities such as Japan club as well as an original story, Swim, Swim, Koinobori. An editable version of the PPTs are available on request - contact education@japansociety.org.uk. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.

Cherry blossoms are considered a symbol of spring in Japan and when the trees are covered in beautiful pink blossoms, people gather together for picnics underneath them, in a tradition known as O Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing). In this lesson, students will learn about the customs and activities associated with O Hanami and compose haiku poems using their own thoughts about spring and nature. The topic can also be used as a starting point for studying climate change and shifting seasons, as the cherry blossom season has arrived early in recent years. Also included is an PDF Activity Pack which can be printed out and used by students independently or during extracurricular activities such as Japan club. An editable version of the PPTs are available on request - contact education@japansociety.org.uk. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.

This booklet contains ideas for educators wishing to introduce haiku poetry. Students of all ages can write a haiku outside and there are printable worksheets to act as a guide. The booklet was made by haiku poet Paul Conneally and contains information about haiku and their key features, as well as tasks for students to identify different the elements and seasons of haiku (suitable for KS2 and above). As well as a creative exercise, haiku can be used to introduce mindfulness and as a way to reflect on the world around us. The Japan Society are also accepting entries to the 17th World Children’s Haiku Contest until 28 February 2022. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.

The Setsubun festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated annually in Japan on 3 February. This lesson gives students the chance to learn how children in Japan celebrate the arrival of spring. Included is a Powerpoint presentation, lesson plan, and activities including: a Japanese vocabulary challenge, true or false quiz, an oni (demon) mask template. Also included is a PDF Activity Pack which can be printed out and used by students independently or during extracurricular activities such as Japan club. An editable version of the PPTs are available on request - contact education@japansociety.org.uk. More resources related to Japanese culture are available from The Japan Society website.