Choose from some creepy poetry, a Spooky Scary Story or the Monsters of Cumberland!
Halloween Haikus!
Howls pierce the black sky,
Silver moon ignites the change—
Claws in the dark move.
Silver moon ignites the change—
Claws in the dark move.
Black cat by her side,
Whispers weave through crackling flames—
Spells dance on the wind.
Whispers weave through crackling flames—
Spells dance on the wind.
Cloak sweeps through the night,
Crimson eyes and fangs that gleam—
Life fades with one bite.
Laughter fills the dark,
Painted grin hides sharper teeth—
Balloons float like screams.
Painted grin hides sharper teeth—
Balloons float like screams.
Suspense Writing and Scary, Spooky Stories!
- Watch Victoria Smith’s Video
- read notes on key points for creating suspenseful writing provided by teacher
- Read Cemetery Path by Leonard Q. Ross
- Discuss: How is the setting important to the story?
- Read Click-Clack the Rattlebag by Neil Gaiman
- Question: How does Gaiman make his audience fear the unknown?
- Identify specific techniques from “How to Make Your Writing Suspenseful” used in this horror story.
- Discuss how these elements contribute to building suspense.
- Read The Wife’s Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
- Question: How does Le Guin’s use of limited perspective build suspense in The Wife’s Story?
- What other techniques from “How to Make Your Writing Suspenseful” can you identify in this story?
- common lit suspense unit
- https://www.teachwriting.org/612th/2018/10/16/4-mini-lessons-for-teaching-suspense-writing
1. Vocabulary Visuals
When it comes to reading short stories, authors are usually VERY intentional about the words they choose as most short stories are super short, especially compared to novels.
You can introduce the story by visualizing 5-10 words from the story before you start reading with your students. Even though “Click Clack the Rattlebag” is not especially difficult to read, some words may trip students up.
Here is a list to start with:
- intense – Extreme in degree or strength; often evokes strong emotions.
- Unsettling – Causing discomfort or anxiety; disturbing.
- Precocious – Advanced in development or talent at an unusually early age.
- Corridor – A long passage in a building; can imply mystery or suspense.
- Lair – A wild animal’s resting place; often suggests secrecy or danger.
These words can effectively convey a range of emotions and themes, especially in suspenseful or eerie contexts.
The Wife’s Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
This suspenseful story puts a twist on the classic tale of the werewolf. It’s perfect for teaching elements of suspense, and it’s fun to watch your students figure out what is really happening! This is a great addition to any suspense unit.