Acrostic

Students write simple acrostic poems that spell out a word vertically, with each line starting with a letter of that word.

Procedure

1. Explain what an acrostic is: a poem that spells out a word in a column, with each line beginning with one letter of that word. Show a sample (e.g. FRIEND: Funny / Real / Interesting / Enjoyable / Nice / Delightful).
2. Select a word or name for the class to practise with (e.g. SCHOOL). Write it vertically on the board in capital letters.
3. Model the process: think aloud about word choices for the first letter, then write your selection. Make the first letter larger and bolder so the vertical word is visible.
4. Continue with each letter, inviting student suggestions. Complete the poem as a class.
5. Students write their own acrostics individually, in pairs, or in small groups. Encourage dictionary use to find words starting with tricky letters.

Tips

• Use students' own names as a getting-to-know-you activity (keep descriptions positive)
• Works well for summarising characters, places, or abstract concepts
• Shorter words (4-6 letters) suit lower levels; longer words add challenge
• Can incorporate L1 words at lower levels if needed