What Is an Acrostic Poem?

Acrostic poems are a type of poetry where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message vertically down the page. The word that is spelled out is usually the theme or subject of the poem. Acrostic poems are straightforward and accessible, making them an excellent choice for students who are new to poetry.

Here’s what you need to know when introducing acrostic poetry to your students:

• Purpose – The purpose of an acrostic poem is to describe a topic.
• Structure – Acrostic poems contain a topic word written vertically down the page. Each letter of the word begins a new description of the topic.
• Rhythm – Acrostic poems do not have a rhythm pattern.
• Rhyme – Acrostic poems do not usually rhyme.

An Acrostic Poem Template for Your Poetry Lessons  

While acrostic poems are one of the simplest forms of poetry, scaffolds are always helpful! That’s why the Teach Starter team have created this set of worksheets to guide your students through the process of writing an acrostic poem. These scaffolds provide a clear framework, reducing your students’ anxiety about where to start and what to write about. 

Here’s what you will find inside this acrostic poem template pack:

1. Acrostic Poem Overview – This page explains everything your students need to know about haiku poems. It also includes an example acrostic poem about witches.
2. Acrostic Poem Graphic Organizer – This page supports students in brainstorming topics and vocabulary for their own acrostic poem.
3. Acrostic Poem Scaffolding Sheet and Checklist – This page supports students in writing their acrostic poem by providing a suggested structure and an editing checklist.
4. Acrostic Poem Writing Sheets – These pages have been included for students to produce a polished final copy of their acrostic poem. Pages are included for acrostic poems featuring four-, five-, six- and seven-letter words.

The straightforward nature of acrostic poems makes them accessible for students of all ages and abilities. Younger students can participate with simpler words and themes, while older or more advanced students can challenge themselves with complex vocabulary and deeper themes.

Download This Acrostic Poem Worksheet 

This resource downloads as an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. Use the Download button to access your preferred version of this resource. Please note that you will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.

Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

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