How to Write an Acrostic Poem for the 4th

Celebrate July 4th with an acrostic poem.

Acrostic poems are an innovative way to let a reader quickly know what subject your poem is about. In an acrostic poem, a word is written vertically down the side of a page, and the entire poem is about that word. Each line of poetry begins with one letter of the word. For July 4th, you can write a poem about Independence Day in the colors of the American flag. Acrostic poems are a wonderful activity to do with children, but adults can enjoy getting creative too.

Things You'll Need

• 2 sheets of white drawing paper, any size
• Red marker
• Blue marker
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Choose a topic. Select a subject related to July 4th, such as Independence or America.

2. 

   Write a draft of the acrostic poem. Use a pencil and one sheet of drawing paper. Write the topic in capitalized letters in a vertical line down the left margin of the sheet. Space the letters evenly.

3. Write a phrase or sentence in a horizontal line to the right of the first letter so that the first letter also serves as the first letter of the line. Focus on the topic you have chosen. For example, if you are using the word Independence, the first line might read: "In 1776, America became its own country and broke free from English rule."

4. Write another line of poetry next to the second letter down, also on the topic you have chosen. Every line of poetry you write should begin with the corresponding letter of the topic written down the left side of the page. For example, for Independence, the second line might read, "No other national holiday means as much to me." Repeat for every letter of the topic word.

5. Review your acrostic poem. Check it for spelling or grammatical errors, and make sure it conveys your thoughts on the topic in a way that will make sense to a person reading the poem.

6. Copy the acrostic poem onto a second piece of white paper. Write the topic word the same way you wrote it on your draft, but use a red marker. Use the blue marker to write the lines of poetry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make the poem rhyme, though not all poems have to rhyme. See the link in References for advice on how to write a rhyming poem.

• You can add drawings related to your topic word in the corners of the paper, such as the American flag, or fireworks.

• It is difficult to write in perfectly straight lines, and crooked lines are especially noticeable in an acrostic poem. Consider using lined paper or a ruler as you write.

References

• Acrostic Poetry

Resources

• Red Bluff Joint Union High School District: Rhyme Schemes