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Secondary Smorgasbord: Writing a Scary Story

October 16, 2015 by Room 213 16 Comments

It’s the middle of October already and the signs are everywhere: pumpkin-lined door steps, candy displays at the grocery store, and students who are starting to slip into the doldrums.  The honeymoon is over and any back to school energy has been used up.
I’ve decided to wake up my students with a creative writing assignment that will allow them to work on the skills I want them to learn AND have a little spooky fun.  We are going to explore the elements of good fiction, make connections to the novels they are reading for reader’s workshop, and then they will write their own scary short story.
The first step is, of course, to set the scene.  I’ve searched youtube for short clips that are appropriate for high school and not too scary for those students who are wimps like me.  I’m going to show each of them and ask students to respond to the following questions: Which elements of the story create suspense?  Is the video scary?  Why or why not?  What improvements would you suggest?

After I get their heads in my scary little game, I will give them this graphic organizer to help them start planning their own story.  You can grab it for free in my store by clicking the link.

Once the plans are in place we will be using learning stations to guide them through the creative process.  I’ll keep you posted on all of the scary details!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Comments

  1. Janice Malone says

    October 16, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    Oh my gosh… your Scary Story Freebie and these videos are fabulous. I went directly to your Halloween Creative Writing & Learning Stations product to find more materials like these.

    Reply
  2. Pamela Kranz says

    October 16, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    I don't know about the kids, but it scares the bejeezus out of me! I bet they love this!

    Reply
  3. Room 213 says

    October 16, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I'm with you, Pamela!!

    Reply
  4. Amy Brown Science says

    October 16, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    Fabulous post. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  5. Danielle Hall says

    October 16, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    Awesome! I love this idea!

    Reply
  6. OCBeachTeacher says

    October 16, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    I love incorporating video clips in my classroom, also. Great ideas!

    Reply
  7. Biology Roots says

    October 16, 2015 at 10:46 pm

    I love this! Thank you!

    Reply
  8. Michele Luck says

    October 17, 2015 at 12:38 am

    Fun idea for the month. I was so afraid of Freddie, so I would have been terrified and filled with plenty of writing inspiration after each clip!

    Reply
  9. Addie Williams says

    October 17, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    What a fun idea to use the video clips!! My students will love this!

    Reply
  10. Darlene Anne says

    October 17, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    Oh my gosh…these videos are amazing! My kids will love them! And thank you for reminding me to check under the bed.
    This idea, paired with your graphic organizer, will be a huge hit!
    Darlene
    ELABuffet

    Reply
  11. Ms. Fuller says

    October 17, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Love using videos in the classroom! Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Mrs. Spangler in the Middle says

    October 17, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Thanks for the great video clips! This is perfect for me as we work on the writing process in my learning strategies class!

    -Lisa
    Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

    Reply
  13. Mrs. Meyer says

    November 4, 2021 at 11:25 am

    Thank you for the clips- my students really enjoyed these and they were a great inspiration for their “Scary Story” writing Unit!

    Reply
    • Room 213 says

      November 5, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      Happy to hear that!

      Reply
  14. gloriann says

    October 7, 2022 at 6:56 pm

    what age group/grade do you recommend this for?

    Reply
    • Room 213 says

      October 9, 2022 at 9:04 am

      I’ve had teachers from sixth to twelfth grade use it. It’s very adaptable (and a lot of fun!)

      Reply

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