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How to Write an Acrostic Poem for Kids

Whether you want to create personalized gifts or use them for educational purposes, acrostic poems are the perfect way to introduce young children to poetry. They have an easy to follow structure and can be as creative or as simple as you like. Acrostic poems start with a source word (or words) written vertically down the page. Each letter of the source word forms the first letter of the line. If you chose "sunshine," the first word of the first line would begin with an "s," the first word of the second line would begin with "u," and so on.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Black marker pen (optional)
  • Crayons or paints (optional)
  • Glitter (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your source word. Children usually enjoy bright, happy words, such as "sunshine" or "flowers," or words relating to their interests, such as "football" or "kittens." You might also consider creating an acrostic poem using your child's name, particularly if you want to create a personal gift. Try to choose a source word with at least four letters, otherwise it will be a very short poem.

    • 2

      Write your source word vertically on a piece of paper and start filling in the lines. The content of acrostic poems relates to the source word. If you chose "sunshine" you would write a poem about the sun and summer. Acrostic poems can rhyme if you are feeling creative. Remember that children have a more limited vocabulary than most adults, so try to keep the words and the message simple so they understand. It's a good idea, as with all writing, to do a draft copy first so you can make mistakes without the need to keep starting over.

    • 3

      Write out a neat copy once you are happy with your draft. To make the acrostic element of the poem really clear, it's a good idea to write the source-word letters big. Use bubble writing, and color in bright colors and patterns. If you have glitter, you can add an extra sparkle! Once you are happy with the presentation of your source word, write out the rest of your poem. Write clearly, preferably in a black marker pen.

    • 4

      Add any other decorations. If you want the poem to be a personal gift, focusing on the presentation will make it extra special. If you are writing the poem as an example of acrostic poetry for educational purposes, emphasizing the source word with bigger letters is probably as much presentational consideration as you need.

Poetry

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