How to Teach Poetry with an Acrostic Poem Template

Acrostic poems are the friendliest way into poetry: the structure is built in, so children can focus on words and images rather than rhyme and rhythm.

How to teach acrostic poems

1. **Pick a topic word** — a name, a season, an animal. 2. **Brainstorm vocabulary** linked to the word first. 3. **Write the letters down the page** (the template does this for you). 4. **Start each line with that letter** — a word, phrase or sentence. 5. **Read aloud** and tweak for sound and image.

How to use the free template

The template has the topic-word letters down the left and a writing line beside each. Children fill in the topic word, then craft a line for each letter. It's a one-lesson win that produces a poem every child can be proud of.

Quick tips

• Model with the class name or topic first.

• Push older children toward full sentences and figurative language.

Download the free Acrostic Poem template from the **Assets** box below.