Introducing acrostic poems for kids is one of the simplest ways to inspire them to appreciate poetry. This form of poetry gives children the freedom to write small unique poems. As a result, they can be creative with their words during the writing process without worrying about their rhyme scheme. Also, acrostic poems enhance children’s imagination and refine their writing skills. This post elaborates on acrostics and provides examples of such poems for children.
What Is An Acrostic?
An acrostic can be defined as a simple section of writing in which the first letter of the line, word, or paragraph spells a name or a phrase with a special significance to the given context. Acrostics are often written vertically in poetry style, but some people like to use them in prose or word puzzles. The most common type of acrostic is formed by using the first letters of each line. Apart from this, we can experiment by keeping the letters in different positions. When placed elsewhere in a line apart from vertical, it forms a hidden code. The word that is usually spelled out in an acrostic is termed ‘acrostich.’ It carries a specific meaning in the content—could be the poem’s subject or its author. Acrostic poems are usually free verses with or without rhyme. Hence they are easy for children to learn. Also, every line can be as long or short as you want.
How Do You Teach An Acrostic Poem?
Here are a few simple steps to follow for creating an acrostic poem.
10 Acrostics Poems For Kids
Let us go through a few simple acrostic poems that you can teach your children.
1. An Acrostic
Elizabeth, it is in vain you say ‘Love not’ — thou sayest it in so sweet a way: In vain those words from thee or L. E. L. Zantippe’s talents had enforced so well: Ah! If that language from the heart arise, Breathe it less gently forth — and veil thine eyes. Endymion, recollect when Luna tried. To cure his love — was cured of all beside — His folly — pride — and passion — for he died. —Edgar Allan Poe
2. Acrostic: Georgiana Augusta Keats
Give me your patience, sister, while I frame Exact in capitals your golden name; Or sue the fair Apollo, and he will Rouse from his heavy slumber and instill Great love in me for thee and Poesy. Imagine not that greatest mastery. And kingdom over all the Realms of verse, Nears more to heaven in aught than when we nurse And surety give to love and Brotherhood. Anthropophagi in Othello’s mood; Ulysses storm’d and his enchanted belt. Glow with the Muse, but they are never felt. Unbosom’d so and so eternal made, Such tender incense in their laurel shade To all the regent sisters of the Nine As this poor offering to you, sister mine. Kind sister! Aye, this third name says you are; Enchanted has it been the Lord knows where; And may it taste to you like good old wine, Take you to real happiness and give Sons, daughters, and a home-like honied hive. —John Keats
3. Acrostic: Little Maidens, When You look
Little maidens, when you look. On this little story-book, Reading with attentive eye. Its enticing history, Never think that hours of play. Are your only HOLIDAY, And that in a HOUSE of joy. Lessons serve but to annoy: If in any HOUSE you find Children of a gentle mind, Each the others pleasing ever– Each the others vexing never– Daily work and pastime daily In their order taking gaily– Then be very sure that they Have a life of HOLIDAY. —Lewis Carroll
4. Another Acrostic ( In The Style Of Father William )
“Are you deaf, Father William!” the young man said, “Did you hear what I told you just now? “Excuse me for shouting! Don’t waggle your head. “Like a blundering, sleepy old cow! “A little maid dwelling in Wallington Town, “Is my friend, so I beg to remark: “Do you think she’d be pleased if a book were sent down “Entitled ‘The Hunt of the Snark?’” “Pack it up in brown paper!” the old man cried, “And seal it with olive-and-dove. “I command you to do it!” he added with pride, “Nor forget, my good fellow, to send her beside. “Easter Greetings, and give her my love.” —Lewis Carroll
5. The Universe (An Acrostic)
~Sun~ Super bright Ultralight Never night ~Moon~ Mostly seen On days in between Only the new and Not often blue ~Stars~ Shining in the sky Twinkling bright in my eye Always glowing like a Firefly. Radiating splendor from high Shining sparkles never die. —Theodora (Theo) Onken
6. Acrostic Poems
Earthquakes: E-arth shudders on its hinge A-ll experience that terrific punch R-oads crack and traffic stops T-remors rock, and havoc wreaks H-orror strikes and rubble heaps Q-uest to save the trapped turns in vain U-nder the rubble, men scream in pain A-fter shocks and seismic waves K-illing thousands, the disaster leaves E-ngulfing gloom swallows the Earth S-ky high dreams, shattered in death Ghost: G-hastly noises heard around. H-aunted houses with thickets surround O-ld castles where mysteries abound S-tarved faces greatly confound T-errible bats worse than hounds Storm: S-trong and swift the wind blows T-wirling and twisting delicate blooms O-rchards strewn with fruits- ripe n’ raw R-ain and thunder snarl and growl M-aking the sea suddenly shriek and howl —Valsa George
7. Acrostic (Environment)
Everyone should care No one should ignore a world so Vital and green Inviting and teeming with life. Mother earth Revolves around our respect, how we take Ownership of our actions; and Never forget our inheritance. We must Mind our responsibility and pass along Every moment of beauty bestowed upon us Nurture a green future for our children, and Try to preserve Mother Nature’s gift to us all. —Carolyn Brunelle
8. Water (Acrostic)
Water is my favorite drink, At times the best thing to quench a thirst. That comes to me suddenly, Even though it’s abundantly available Refined, pure specimens are sold in shops. —Gert Strydom
9. Acrostic (Science)
S-earching and c-ollecting data I-n many varied ways to e-xplore n-ature’s c-hemistry and e-mpirically test the physical world around us. —Carolyn Brunelle
10. Homework (Acrostic)
Homework is such a bore Others never do it My parents make me Everyday I get a ton Way too much to get done Occasionally I have none Really though, I’ll get the teachers back Knock some sense into them —Janneke Tenvoorde
