Acrostic Poetry for Learning

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 An acrostic poem is a type of poem that uses a word vertically relating to a particular topic or theme.  Each phrase of the poem should relate to the original word.

This type of poem is a great way to start beginning writing, because it can be simple or complex.  Here's an example of a simple acrostic poem for the name Sally.

Silly
Always smiling
Loves dogs
Likable
Young

Writing acrostic poetry can help students to think about new subject matter.  For example, my daughter wrote a poem about the Amazon River for Social Studies. What a creative way to learn!

The Amazon River

Amazingly long
Magnificent creatures
Animals by its side
Zig Zags through Brazil
Often Rains
Nile is slightly shorter

Radiant Water
Is the longest river in South America
Vacant is not in its vocabulary
Extraordinary People
Rarely Dry                                                   

By Sunshine (age 9)

My other daughter read a story about fireflies for Language Arts and was asked to write an acrostic poem about fireflies. She adores writing, so was excited to do this project.

Fireflies

Flashing green light

I think they are pretty

Raining all day, they think it's a pity

Everywhere they go, I see a light

Flashing so fiery, just like the night

Light glows like the moon

Yes, they are fireflies

By Peanut (age 7)

So what do you think- do I have two inspiring poets on my hands? Well, I thought I'd give it a shot with a different subject matter. So, presenting my Science poem about Magnets...

Magnets

Magnetic force
Attracts iron and steel
Greece-origin of word
Never without its magnetic field
Earth- a large magnet
Two poles, north and south

Create an Acrostic poem online at Read,Write, Think!
What type of poetry do your kids like to write? 

Jen

Fine Motor Fun

Little man is distracted by SWIPER here- such a funny pic! He's obsessed with Dora and Diego lately. 

Another activity he's been enjoyed this week... 



           Plastic coffee stirrer from Dollar Tree

Ziploc plastic container

Poke holes

Fine motor fun for little one!

Enjoy your day!

Jen

Valentine Book Picks!

 Oh, I've always loved Amelia Bedelia, so I was excited to see her as a child in this Valentine story.

 Have you met Eloise?  This spunky character is a cross between Pippi Longstocking and Junie B. Jones and is very hard not to love!

 Oh, Poor old Mister Whiskers is just beside himself in this story.  Who keeps giving him these mushy Valentine's?

Burt loves pigeons and pigs love mud, but Elmo loves.....YOU!

What Valentine books are you enjoying? 

Please share your favorite in the comments below. :)

Jen

Valentine Rice Play

Little man is having fun today playing with rice and Valentine toys today!

 


Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Jen

Creative Book Projects

Lately, I've been posting a plethora of Pre-K activities, so I thought it was time to throw in a couple of ideas for our older kiddos.  Of course, ideas can always be adapted for different levels with a little creativity!  Today I'm going to share Peanut's 2nd grade book project and Sunshine's 4th grade project.  I thought they did a great job!



Created by Peanut- age 7

 Storybook Diorama: After reading Heroes of the Vegetable Patch, my daughter created this diorama.  It includes one of the scenes from the story and the characters present.  Below is an image of the book and stuffed aimals that can be purchased with the book.  Both can be found at IKEA.  Adorable!  We have the broccoli character.

Sunshine read Night of the Twisters and then created a movie poster- see below.....



Created by Sunshine- age 9

Movie Marque Poster:  Here is another creative way to share a book report. Using information from the book- create a movie poster to persuade others!

Looking for even more creative book report ideas....
Ten Great Creative Book Reports from Minds in Bloom
Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports from Education World

What fun project ideas have you been doing with your kids?  Share, share, share!  Don't be shy-Iove hearing from my readers!

Jen