Acrostic poems are simple poems in which the first letter of each line is used to create a word, phrase, or description.
Typically a word is written vertically, with one letter on each line. Then each letter is used as the beginning of a word or phrase that has to do with the themed word for the poem. It’s a fun activity that’s also great writing practice for kids!
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How to Write an Acrostic Name Poem
Acrostic poems are great because they don’t have to rhyme and they can be created using just a few words. It’s a simple composition that is perfect for kids (and adults!) of any age- they just need to know how to write! Here’s a simple lesson plan on how to write an acrostic poem.
To start pass out the acrostic name poem templates. You can use the blank acrostic name poem pages or generate a personalized acrostic name poem worksheet using the poem generator.
Explain to the child that they should think of a word or phrase that starts with each letter of their name that describes them in some way. This can describe their personality, their likes, dislikes, etc. Basically, anything that makes them who they are!
Here are a couple of Acrostic Name Poem examples:
SARAH
S is for Shy and quiet
A is for Always on time
R is for Respectful
A is for Artistic and Creative
H is for Happy and Cheerful
JOHN
Joyful
Outgoing
Honest
Nice
It’s up to you, or the writer, if you wish to include the words “is for” after each letter (as shown in the Sarah poem above) or just start the line with the words or descriptions (as shown in the John poem above)
Keep reading for tips on helping kids write successful acrostic poems or to get started with the Acrostic Name Poem Templates or to access the acrostic name poem generator.
Tips for Acrostic Poetry Success
If you or your child is having trouble writing their name poem, here are some tips to make writing acrostic name poems easier
First, do the activity with them and model by example. They will watch as you complete your poem and have a better understanding of how to do the writing themselves. If you are working in a classroom setting, write a group acrostic poem first on the whiteboard together as a class.
Second, brainstorm a list of words before you begin. Write these words or phrases on a whiteboard or separate paper. Think of as many words as you can. Then if/when your child gets stuck while writing they can use these words as a jumping off point. These can be personality traits, descriptions (ie, blonde, tall, short), favorites (animals, foods, pets, etc) or any other types of words you could use to describe a person.
And finally, always be available to help and give suggestions if your child gets stuck. The point is creative expression- not frustration! So don’t censor them and allow them to write whatever they want as long as the first word starts with letter at the beginning of the line.
Some kids will write long sentences or phrases and others will write just one word- both are okay!
Are your kids having trouble thinking of descriptive words for themselves? Try having them fill out one of these printable All About Me worksheets first to help them get ideas!
Are you ready to write your own Acrostic Name Poem?
Acrostic Name Poem Generator
Use the following worksheet generator to create your own printable name poem worksheet. You can enter up to 12 characters in the generator.
Just enter the name you want and hit update. The generator will create a downloadable worksheet with the name written vertically down the page and primary lines to write the acrostic name poem on. Give it a try!
Acrostic Name Poem Generator
Enter your name and click update to generate your own personalized acrostic name poem worksheet. There is a limit of 12 characters for this generator.
Step #1: Enter Your Name.Step #2: Save Your Poem
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Or you can use the Blank Acrostic Name Poem Worksheets below to write your name poems.
Download the Blank Acrostic Name Poems Worksheets:
The blank acrostic poem templates give your 4 different options to choose from:
- Portrait view with primary lines (up to a 10 character name)
- Portrait view with a single line (up to a 10 character name)
- Landscape view with primary lines (up to an 7 character name)
- Landscape view with a single line (up to an 7 character name)
Just print the one that works best for your needs.
DOWNLOAD THE BLANK ACROSTIC NAME POEM TEMPLATES
You are free to use these templates for personal use at home or in the classroom. Please don’t share the file, but if you’d like to share the Acrostic Name Poem Templates with friends, please forward this page to them so that they can download the file themselves. This download may not be used in any commercial fashion.
How to Use the Finished Acrostic Name Poems
Now that you’ve finished your acrostic poems, now what? First, allow your child to draw and illustrate in the white space around their poem to create a work of art.
Here are a few ways to use your illustrated acrostic name poems:
Laminate the poem and use it as a placemat at the dinner table.
Place the poem in a frame and use it as a bedroom decoration or hang it on their bedroom door!
Make a poem using friends or family’s names and give them away as gifts.
If you are in a classroom setting, use the students’ poems to create a great “all about me” bulletin board display
Looking for more acrostic poem fun? Check out the following templates:
Spring Acrostic Poem templates
