Writing a Scary Story

Writing a Scary Story

Objective: This worksheet aims to guide students through the process of writing a scary story by exploring typical characters, understanding story structure, and utilizing thematic vocabulary.


Content and methods: The worksheet begins by prompting students to brainstorm common scary story characters. It then presents an excerpt of a scary story, and asks students to provide a suitable heading. An informational text defines a typical character in scary stories, detailing their characteristics and historical context. Students are then given a character, a setting, and a situation to use as inspiration for their own story. The worksheet provides a clear structure for a spooky story (introduction, main part, conclusion) with guiding questions for each section. A list of "typical words in scary stories" is provided to aid vocabulary. Finally, students write their story and complete a Halloween-themed word puzzle to reinforce vocabulary.


Competencies:

  • Creative writing and storytelling
  • Character development
  • Understanding of narrative structure
  • Vocabulary expansion (thematic words)
  • Reading comprehension
  • Brainstorming and idea generation


Target group: 4th-6th grade

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Target group and level

4th-6th grade

Subjects

non-subject specific contentEnglish

Writing a Scary Story

Characters in scary stories

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Reading a scary story

Now read the beginning of a scary story and think of a suitable heading. Pay attention to the scary figure appearing in the text.

On a dark Halloween night, Jack wandered into the shadowy forest. The trees seemed to whisper secrets, and the moonlight barely pierced through the thick leaves. Suddenly, he heard a cackling laugh echoing in the distance. The witch was waiting for him, hidden in the gloom…

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Figures in scary stories

Here you will learn more about what makes this character unique in scary stories and what characteristics they have.

Witches are magical characters in scary stories. They have been part of tales for hundreds of years, with some of the earliest stories appearing in the 1500s. Witches are known for their ability to cast spells and brew potions. They often have black cats, ride on broomsticks, and wear pointy hats. Witches can sometimes be evil, using their magic to cause trouble, but not all witches are bad. Their powers make stories exciting and a little spooky, perfect for a thrilling adventure!

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Your own scary story

Now it's time to write your own scary story. Look at the information below and think about how you could turn this into an exciting and spooky story.

Witch

Witch
The witch Hazel lives in a magical forest and uses her spells to help animals in need.
Character

Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion
The haunted mansion is old and creaky, with mysterious lights and ghostly whispers at night.
Place

On a School Trip

On a School Trip
The class is on a school trip to an old, abandoned castle in the woods.
Situation

Structure of a Spooky Story

Introduction: Here, you set the scene. Describe the spooky setting and introduce your main characters. Make sure to hint at something mysterious or scary.

Main Part: This is where the scary events happen. Build up the tension and include some surprising or frightening moments. Your characters might face challenges or uncover secrets.

Conclusion: Wrap up the story. Resolve the main conflict and explain any mysteries. You can end with a twist or a lesson learned by the characters.

Typical words in scary stories

haunted, creepy, ghostly, eerie, shadow, whisper, ominous, dark, sinister, macabre, phantom, gruesome, foreboding, nightmare, dread, terror, unsettling, wicked, chilling

Your scary story

Halloween word puzzle

Find all the words related to the topic "Halloween" in the following word puzzle.