Tanka • Worksheet 1
Poetry
Name
__________________________________________________________________­__
Introduction
Tanka is a Japanese poetry style that dates back to the fifth century. The poems were originally written
to mark a special occasion or moment. They traditionally contained five lines and 31 syllables in a
5-7-5-7-7 fixed syllable pattern. Tanka poetry stresses the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
in the elaboration of its subject. The structure also emphasizes the use of patterns and syllabication.
Instructions
1. Divide the tanka below into syllables. Write the number of syllables in each line.
Tsunami destructs
Syllables: ________
Unleashed dynamic fury
Syllables: ________
Death, loss, grief, chaos
Syllables: ________
Challenges recovery
Syllables: ________
All humanity rallies Syllables: ________
2. Complete the tanka below by writing a word or words at the end of each line. Make sure the words
you choose are in keeping with the 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern.
Past the snow-white ___________________________
Up the snowy ___________________________
The kids play ___________________________
The grown-ups ___________________________
It happens every ___________________________
(5)
(7)
(5)
(7)
(7)
3. Illustrate your completed tanka.
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Tanka • Worksheet 2
Poetry
Name
__________________________________________________________________­__
Introduction
Tanka is a Japanese poetry style that dates back to the fifth century. The poems were originally written
to mark a special occasion or moment. They traditionally contained five lines and 31 syllables in a
5-7-5-7-7 fixed syllable pattern. Tanka poetry stresses the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
in the elaboration of its subject. The structure also emphasizes the use of patterns and syllabication.
Instructions
1. Write a tanka about birthdays. Brainstorm vivid nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs to describe birthdays.
2. Combine, add, or rearrange your words to write a birthday tanka. Remember, each line must have the correct number of syllables.
_______________________________________________________________________(5 syllables)
_______________________________________________________________________(7 syllables)
_______________________________________________________________________(5 syllables)
_______________________________________________________________________(7 syllables)
_______________________________________________________________________(7 syllables)
© Learning A–Z All rights reserved.
www.readinga-z.com
Tanka • Worksheet 3
Poetry
Name
__________________________________________________________________­__
Introduction
Tanka is a Japanese poetry style that dates back to the fifth century. The poems were originally written
to mark a special occasion or moment. They traditionally contained five lines and 31 syllables in a
5-7-5-7-7 fixed syllable pattern. Tanka poetry stresses the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
in the elaboration of its subject. The structure also emphasizes the use of patterns and syllabication.
Instructions
1. Choose a topic.
Topic: _____________________________________________
2. Brainstorm vivid nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs to describe your topic.
3. Combine, add, or rearrange your words to write a tanka.
______________________________________________________________________ (5 syllables)
______________________________________________________________________ (7 syllables)
______________________________________________________________________ (5 syllables)
______________________________________________________________________ (7 syllables)
______________________________________________________________________ (7 syllables)
© Learning A–Z All rights reserved.
www.readinga-z.com
Tanka • Samples
Poetry
Name
__________________________________________________________________­__
Tanka Poetry
Thunderclouds building
Gathering strength as they grow
Releasing themselves
Pouring life-giving torrents
Cleansing the world in shower
Light, airy snowflakes
Fall frostily on your nose
Fascinating fun
Frolicking in dainty flakes
Gathering crystals gala!
Tsunami destructs Unleashed dynamic fury
Death, loss, grief, chaos
Challenges recovery
All humanity rallies
© Learning A–Z All rights reserved.
www.readinga-z.com