Haiku Illustrations and 3-D Frames
Submitted by: Kathy O’Mara catophile@totacc.com
The Haiku poetry form is perfect for this activity. After choosing a subject that can easily be illustrated (if the children choose have them check with you to make sure their subject is workable). Write rough drafts and help them check to see that the form is correct and that each of the 3 lines can be easily illustrated as separate pictures. Cut small strips of paper (for ex. 2” X 5” or whatever suites you. Have them illustrate and color each of their lines in detail. The illustration should help clarify the meaning of the line. On a larger paper glue the three strips in order in one of two ways:
1. Glue all three together at top or bottom of large paper leaving a margin around each strip. Write the poem beneath or above. The poem could be typed on the computer in fancy font and then cut out.
2. Write the lines between the strips (or cut apart computer typed lines).
Take it one step further and “frame” and hang the finished projects. I have some donated plastic frames that I use, but you could cut out frames from construction or wallpaper or cover cardboard frames with contact paper and use the same frames over and over. One frame I especially like is a 3-D frame made from construction paper. This can be done in a square or rectangular shape.
3-D Frame
1. Take a piece of construction paper and lay flat on a table.
2. Take your finished poem paper and lay it on top of the construction paper.
3. Center the paper (I usually “eyeball” it) and mark where each of the corners lay.
4. Using a straight edge draw an “X” by connecting the diagonals. This is the “wrong” side.
5. Using a sharp scissors or mat knife (you), start in the center of the X and carefully cut to the corners.
6. Take a ruler and lay it on any side you choose (for instance, connect the bottom left and right corners, having the bulk of the paper above the ruler) and carefully pull down the center triangle above where you are working and using the edge of the ruler “finger press” the long edge towards you.
7. Remove the ruler and use it to crease the fold you just made. Repeat process 6 & 7 on the other three sides.
8. Now you should have something that looks like your square exploded outward (I hope this makes sense-without the visual it’s hard to explain). Now you are going to repeat the process from 6&7, but this time folding toward the center. Confused? Take the ruler again and place between the two corners you started with (on top of the folded back triangle) and this time fold the tip of the triangle toward the center. After doing this you will have a “fan folded” edge around each of the inside edges.
9. Flip the frame over and this is your front side. Now carefully press down on the inside folded edges and it will stand up with the actual frame part an inch or so off the table (depending in the width of the ruler you used for the folding process).
10. You should have four small triangle shapes on the bottom (table). this is where you put the glue. Carefully lower your finished illustrated poem face up into the opening. Adjust the sides so they fit up tight against each edge and press the paper into the glue.
To “hang” this I staple through the center at the top and bottom to the wall.
NOTE: Once you figure this out it’s an easy thing to teach the kids. My 5th graders love making these for everything they do. Sometimes I have to put the brakes on or they’ll use up my entire construction paper allotment!
For anyone who tries this and is still confused, just e-mail me and I’ll guide you as best as I can.