Haiku for Humans: Tiny Words for Big Work

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Creative Writing
Grades 5-8
30-60 Minutes

Materials Needed

  • • Paper or notebooks
  • • Pens/pencils
  • • Whiteboard or large chart paper
  • • Markers
  • • Images or videos of various jobs (Optional)

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

You can find an introduction to Goal 8, as well as the Targets & Indicators, Objectives, and Action Planning Resources on the Goal overview page.

See Goal 8 Overview
Goal 8 icon

Introduce Global Goal 8 and Haiku poetry (5-7-5 structure). Show how short poems can capture big ideas about jobs and growth.

1

Practice Word Count

Students practice describing topics (sunny day, favorite food, sport) in exactly 5 or 7 words to prepare for Haiku structure.
1

Combine Phrases

Students combine Job Aspects phrases with Focus Words to create 5 or 7 syllable phrases about work and economic growth.
1

Write Haiku

Students write individual Haiku poems about Global Goal 8, focusing on specific snapshots of fair jobs, challenges, or solutions.
1

Post and Read

Students post and read Haikus.
2

Share Favorites

Volunteers share favorites and discuss messages about decent work.
1

Create Collaborative Haiku

Class creates collaborative Haiku(s) about Global Goal 8, adding one word at a time around the room.
Discuss how short Haiku captured big ideas about jobs/growth and identify personal fair work actions.
1
How did short Haiku capture big ideas about jobs/growth?
2
What personal fair work actions can you identify?
  • Participation
  • Understanding of decent work
  • Haiku structure adherence (5-7-5)
  • Thematic connection
  • Reflection

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Optical Wonders: Art for Great Jobs & A Growing World
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Dancing Towards Decent Work: Movement for Fair Futures

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