Judith J. Katz
Objective: To hone observation, detail and writing skills. To create a journal of observations that can be used as a jumpstart when writing Haiku in later classes.
Why it works:
Removing students from their standard setting and forcing them to breathe fresh air, use their bodies and minds always causes a positive shift. Throwing in the idea of a treat can only load the dice in favor of a positive experience. It's fun to break the standard cycle and students love to feel that they are getting away with something different and better than their peers.
Important Reminder:
• To take students out of the building or off campus remember to get permission from parents, administrators and other teachers if your class will run longer and interfere with theirs.
• Reserve additional help from parents or other teachers if the class is large.
Strategies: Walking and working with the class helps gives them a role model and someone to bounce ideas and questions off.
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1. Make sure each student has a palm sized (small) notebook and something to write with
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2. If you're going to stop for a snack, make sure that students have money or you have gotten funding from another source
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3. Predetermine your route both ways for maximum exposure to stimulus
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4. Bring a cell phone
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5. Remind students of any rules of the road you choose to enforce
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6. Remind students that the Haiku walk is a silent event
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7. The purpose is to observe and make detailed notes on observations
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8. Take 20 minutes to go to a resting spot (preferably one with food, drinks and a bathroom)
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9. Take 20 minutes to rest, eat and discuss the kinds of notations being made. Help focus the class on detail for the return trip, as well as using all of their senses to observe
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10. Take 20 minutes to walk back
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11. Remind class that the journal will provide content for the Haiku they will be writing shortly. The more detail and observation they have, the more support they will give themselves for writing later
