ACROSTICS

What is an Acrostic Poem?

An acrostic is a poem which spells out a word or phrase , generally using the initials of each line down the left hand side of the poem.

This is very popular to use with children in particular as it gives a specific format to follow and helps to begin an idea. However, it can be difficult to include rhyme or meter and still achieve the appropriate first letter of the acrostic, so it may be better used as a free verse option. Here are some ideas on teaching acrostic poems and on how to use the poem form effectively.

Topic work

The usual idea is to choose an appropriate topic and use a given word or phrase down the side of the poem.  Brainstorm ideas together of what the subject brings to mind so that there is plenty of scope.  Not everyone needs to use the same word just because they are studying the same topic ie, on the subject of the Tudors, acrostic titles could be : Henry Eighth, The Tudors, Tudors, Tudor Times, etc so that each gets a slightly different slant on the subject or room to include more or less information.

This could be combined with some element of artwork when doing the final display copy of a poem, by using, for example, tudor lettering for the initials of the acrostic to highlight the topic as in my example poem

Tudor Times.

Combine the idea of an acrostic and a list poem form

The acrostic is easier to achieve by writing in the style of a list poem, as starting each line is easier without the restriction of keeping the flow and using conjunctives etc

Use letters from within the poem as the acrostic element.

For example, if the title of a poem is “A River’s Journey” the acrostic element, highlighted within the poem could be:

M
      e
           a n
                 d e
                        r
                           s

This can be easier to achieve, and adds some interest whilst again involving an element of artwork to the final poem, as in my example poem “A River’s Journey”

If you would like to see examples of my acrostic poems, you will find them under the category POEM FORMS and the sub heading ACROSTICS . Many of my poems will, of course, come under several different categories above, but they are duplicated deliberately so that you can find them by whichever means you need to use them.  Poems are also listed alphabetically in the POEM INDEX by title.