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.

Follow these steps:

Encourage your students or children 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 they chose. 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 it 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 Facebook at Arizona PBS KIDS or by using #AZPBSKIDS.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (6) and Logan (4). 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 nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.