How to create a Christmas acrostic poem this holiday season

Whether you are at home spending the holiday break with your child or need a fun activity to introduce in the classroom, here is a festive acrostic poem activity to get into the holiday spirit! Not sure what an acrostic poem is? Here are examples to spark inspiration.

Encourage your students or child to get creative, but here is the criteria I used:

1. The word they choose should be longer than three to four letters—longer words give them more of an opportunity to write more. However, feel free to adapt this activity to fit any age or ability level.
2. Write the word vertically down the page (one letter per line).
3. Each phrase accompanying the letter must fit the theme of the word that they choose. For example, “R” in Rudolph should be about reindeer specifically. Using words and/or phrases that relate to the word will require some brainstorming, but will encourage them to use their imagination while practicing their writing skills.
4. Time to get out the arts and crafts supplies! Using glitter, pencils, markers or crayons, kids can color their poems to create a holiday masterpiece. My students used glitter on the letters of the main words to really make them stand out. The final product was so interesting and unique and made terrific hallway decorations.

   

   

   

   
   

   

   

   

   
   

    

When I introduced this project in my classroom the students had such a great time but felt challenged. Some of the letters were tricky, but brainstorming words that started with that letter and then making a connection back to their word was a fun puzzle!

What fun holiday-themed arts and crafts are a tradition for your family? Share with us on Twitter by tagging @ArizonaEducator or using #AZPBSKIDS.

About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two toddlers, Olivia (4) and Logan (2). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past eight years teaching third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.