Writing an Acrostic Poem

What is an acrostic poem?

An acrostic poem has a secret hidden inside it! The first letter of each line spells out a word when you read down the page. It is like a puzzle and a poem at the same time. 🔤

A simple example

Here is an acrostic for the word CAT:

C — Cuddly and soft to stroke 🐱 A — Always chasing string T — Tiny pink nose

Read the first letters going down: C-A-T. There is the hidden word!

How to write one

Follow these easy steps:

1. Choose a word. Start with something you like, such as your name, a pet, or a season.
2. Write the letters down the page, one under the other.
3. Begin each line with that letter. Each line should say something about your word.

You do not need to make it rhyme. Just describe your word!

Try a name acrostic

Use your own name. Here is one for SAM:

S — Super at football ⚽ A — Always smiling 😄 M — Makes the best jokes

Now write one for your own name. What words describe you?

Make it about a season

Acrostics are great for seasons and holidays:

R — Raindrops falling down ☔ A — All the puddles grow I — Icy cold and grey N — Need my big umbrella

Read down: R-A-I-N.

Tips for great acrostics

• Pick describing words that match your topic.
• Lines can be short — even one word works.
• Add an emoji or a picture to bring it to life.
• Read your first letters down to check the word is correct.

Your turn!

Choose a word you love and write your own acrostic poem. Show it to a friend and see if they can read the hidden word.

Next, try Rhythm and Beat in Poems and Writing a Shape Poem.