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

Once There Was a Crayon...

Once there was crayon
Who lived in a store
All the crayons didn't like him
He was to ignore.
They thought he was dull
And plain and rude.
Poor litle crayon,
He will not be my dude.

Written by Peanut (age 7)

Peanut loves, loves, loves to write.  It can be lists, stories, non-fiction.  It doesn't matter.  As long as paper and a pencil are around- she is happy.  Recently, she has been interested in writing poems.  Here is one of here lastest works that made me chuckle.  I was impressed by some of the vocabulary as well-words like ignore and dull.

Here are just a few suggestions on ways to encourage writing...
-Be sure to have writing supplies readily available.
-For beginning writers, encourage inventing spelling.  They will learn proper spelling later.  The goal is to get them writing and to get ideas on paper!  :)
-Publish your child's work- type for them if needed and bind in a book.  Let them illustrate the pages.  (Binding can be as simple as tying together with string or putting in a binder with plastic sheets.)
-Have a little writing center in your house that includes story starter pages, colorful paper, lined paper, blank paper, crayons, colored pencils, etc. 
-You can find story starters and cute writing paper online.  I actually found a cute story starter book at the dollar store! (If you need any suggestions, just email me.)
-Be sure to talk about the author and illustrator of the books that you read.
-Enter writing contests such as PBS's young writers contest.
-Read silly poetry and write poems together.
-Let your children help you write your grocery or to do list, etc.

Enjoy your day being CREATIVE!!!
Jen