Kids Can Write Too!
As February approaches and we come face-to-face with National Haiku Writing Month, we would like to take a moment to invite the kids to this challenge.
Kids can write too!
In fact, giving kids a safe place to express their creativity is one of the reasons the PWE Writing Community was founded.
A haiku is a GREAT place for a child to start stretching their creative muscles.
A haiku is short. It is only 3 lines long. It doesn't have to rhyme. It doesn't need a title. At the most basic level, if a kid can count syllables, they can write the Americanized form of haiku taught for decades in the American public school system:
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables
I have even encouraged a child to write 5 words, 7 words, 5 words.
If your child is interested in writing haiku and they are still young or brand new to the concept-- just encourage them. They can discover rules and hone their craft later, as they gain more experience.
If you visit the official NaHaiWriMo website, you will notice the logo has a big red circle with a slash over the 5-7-5. That is because haiku is a Japanese poetic form and their speech is much different from ours. It is not specifically syllables (or words) that they count. And it is not exactly counting either. They have many interesting articles on their website explaining these nuances between cultures. If you are interested, we encourage you to take a deep dive through their website.
But as for the PWE Writing Community, we do not pose such constraints. If you have a child interested in joining this challenge, then allow them room for creative expression. When you do so, the struggle to mete out three creative lines may flourish into something they can't seem to quit or shut down. They may end up with an epic ode or a sonnett, song, or short story. That's okay! In fact, it's good! Children will have plenty of time in the future to tighten down their words. In the beginning, just let them flow!
If you are a parent with a child who writes, we encourage you to join the PWE Writing Community. Only one parental account is necessary for the whole family. If you have 3 children, you do not need to create 3 accounts, although (with your permission) older kids are welcome to create their own account. Even if you have older kids who sign up with their own account, it is a good idea for you to have access to the community and be aware of our challenges.
Entries into the challenge can be shared several ways:
Post it in the news feed of the PWE Community
Submit it through www.AnnualPoetryChallenge.com
Text it to 803-709-7483
Email it to [email protected]
Mail it to White Fields Press, 4019 W. Hwy 70 #227, Durant OK 74701
We can't wait to see what you write!
If you are interested in the challenge but still unsure about writing haiku, we found this HOW-TO GUIDE FOR KIDS on Amazon. Please note: this is an Affiliate link. As an Amazon Affiliate, we may receive discounts, credits, and small payments from your purchases (never at any cost to you). It's just one more way you can help support the PWE Community.
Just to get you started, here are a couple of haiku from last year's challenge:
Today is THE day!
Grab your pen and paper,
and write a haiku.
Challenge accepted.
Join me for NaHaiWriMo
this February.
See? It doesn't have to be complicated. Won't you join in the fun? It starts February 1st.
