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Matsuo Basho is quoted as saying, "Haiku is what is happening in this moment, this time, this place." The fourth grade will be doing just that as they learn about this signature Japanese poetic form and practice writing their own. By taking note of the sounds and sights of fall they will learn the nuances to be found within the simplicity of the 7-5-7 syllable pattern. To further enhance their understanding, each class will study the Japanese haiku master Basho's life and poetry as they experience the book Grass Sandals-The Travels of Basho by Dawnine Spivak. In conjunction, the students will be learning the process by which wood block prints are made. Working in mixed groups, they will practice the steps of graphic selection, selection of colors, making of the templates and blocking multiple copies. Noted wood block print artists they will be introduced to are Hokusai- of The Great Wave fame and Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Both forms come together when the whole grade level goes out to Nogawa Park to write group haiku and do prints based on what they wrote. A picture picture gallery containing the students working on the project and examples of the haikus and prints will be posted. To find out more, here are some resources currently available.
Site written and maintained by Bridgette Fincher November 19, 2003 |
