When it comes to getting
middle school students to write stories that’ll keep readers or listeners on
the edge of their seats, nothing beats a good old-fashioned horror story.
Middle schoolers love coming
up with spooky plots and creepy characters, intended to disturb and entertain their
audiences.
Best of all, the whole family can get involved
with this lesson by having kids gather story ideas for each of these photo
cards from parents, siblings, or even friends who are working on the same
assignment:
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| Click on the photo cards to copy and print. *from Scary Story Writing 101 |
Easy 3-Step Scary Story Narrative Unit
Step 1: Read students a few of your favorite spooky tales if you meet
with them online (see How to Write a Scary Story Readers Will Love), or provide them with a link to a story like The Vanishing Hitchhiker by Jan Harold Brunvand so students get a feel for how professional writers toy with readers' emotions.
Step 2: Make a copy of the 4
captioned photo cards and have students brainstorm story ideas for each card with
family members and/or friends.
Step 3: Give students the How
to Write a Scary Story direction poster and have them follow the
directions using their favorite photo prompt on Day 1. Repeat this lesson with
another prompt on Day 2. On Day 3, students will complete both stories and
label the story elements (i.e. a Character in a Normal Setting is Interrupted, a Something’s
Not Right, Realization and an “Uh-Oh” Moment).
Step 4: Read both stories to two
people and ask each one to pick a favorite story and explain their selection.
If you missed Distance Learning Lesson 1 on essay writing, you can read it here.
Here are a few of my favorite products that are incredibly affordable right now:
Argument Writing Bundle
Scary Story Writing 101
Full Year Middle School Writing Course
Browse all of my resources here.
Until next time...be safe...stay committed...and inspire children with who you are.
