Valentine's Day Acrostic Poem

Show your third grader how to create a beautiful acrostic poem for someone special this Valentine's Day. A personalized poem is a creative way for him to show how much he cares. It's a simple format, with endless variations. Additionally, the poetry writing process will help him improve his handwriting, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

What You Need:

• Construction paper (red, pink, or white)
• Markers
• Lined paper

What You Do:

1. Discuss the concept of an acrostic poem with your child. They are simple poems in which the first letter of each line forms a word (vertically). The lines do not have to rhyme, but can if he wishes. Acrostic poems are usually one of the easier types of poetry for children to write, since they have a format to follow. Give your child the following example or one of your own:

2. Have your child choose a person he would like to make an acrostic poem for in this year's Valentine's Day card. For example, Mom, Dad, Grandma, etc.
3. Ask him to write the name of the person in capital letters vertically onto a sheet of lined paper.
4. Encourage your child to come up with adjectives describing that person using each letter of their name. For example, MOM – Magnificent, Outstanding, Marvelous, etc.
5. Have him use these adjectives to create an acrostic poem, such as the example above.
6. Ask your child to cut out the acrostic poem and paste it onto a sheet of folded construction paper. Write "Happy Valentine's Day" on the outside.

The recipient of this lovely personalized Valentine's Day poem will surely be delighted!