Spooky Story Writing

Story Rolling

Creative writing gets rolling as students roll story element dice (setting, character, obstacle, and a story starter) to create a random set of story components. Once students have their story elements, they’ll plan and write a spooky story as they combine each of the

elements in an entertaining writing piece.

Assemble materials: Copy a class set of the ‘Spooky Story Writing Pre-Write’ and the ‘Writing Paper’. Make story element dice by cutting out each shape, folding along the lines, and taping or gluing thecube together. (You may want to make each cube a different color. Copy as many as you will need depending on how you will have students complete the story rolling. Students could roll their story dice independently, with partners, in small groups, or even at stations throughout the room.)

Lesson:• Explain to students that scary stories have the same elements as other stories (character, problem, setting).

Just like other stories, the main character is faced with a challenge to overcome. However, scary stories add additional elements of a creepy setting, scary characters, and a twist or surprising element at the end. You may also want to read a scary story to students – included is “The Pink Jellybean.” It’s most effective if you don’t read the title and you read it aloud in a very suspenseful manner.

• Explain to students that they will be writing spooky stories. However, they will have a little help determining the story elements.

• Model rolling the dice and create a mini-story with the class.• Depending on how students will be rolling the dice in your class, assemble partnerships or groups.• Distribute the ‘Spooky Story Writing Pre-Write’ for students to record the story elements they roll.• Once all students have rolled each story element, lead students through the pre-write:

Characters – Students will most likely use the character they rolled as the antagonist. That means that they need to create a main character. Have students add details about how each looks and acts.Setting – Have students consider when the story takes place and add descriptive details to increase the fear factor.Plot – Encourage students to develop their plot sequence. The key will be the twist in the story. Twists can include things like a blocked escape route or the bad guy is actually the good guy. Descriptions – Have students develop sensory descriptions that add to the scariness of the story.

• Give students an opportunity to write their spooky story on the ‘Writing Paper.’ They can begin with the story starter they rolled.

• After students have written their stories have them share with a partner, small group, or the whole class.

At the end of a long, dark road is a long, dark

path. At the end of the long, dark path is a lone,

dark house. And the lone, dark house has a single,

dark door.

Behind the single, dark door is a long, dark hall.

At the end of the long, dark hall are a set of tall, dark

stairs. At the top of the tall, dark stairs is a long dark

balcony.

At the end of the long, dark balcony is a big dark

room. In the big, dark room is a big, dark closet.

In the big, dark closet is a big, dark door.

Behind the big, dark door are some steep, dark stairs.

At the top of the steep, dark stairs is a dark, dusty attic.

In the dark, dusty attic is a big, dark chest.

In the big, dark chest is a small, dark

box. And in the small, dark box is a pink

jellybean.

The Pink Jellybean Story

Spooky Story Writing Pre-Write

MAIN CHARACTER - Protagonist CHARACTER - AntagonistLooks Like: Acts Like: Looks Like: Acts Like:

Where does the story take place?

When does the story take place?

Describe the place.

SETTING OBSTACLE

CHARACTER STORY STARTER

CHARACTERS

SETTING

MIDDLEThe main character will try to overcome the obstacle, but fail. How will this

happen?ATTEMPT #1 ATTEMPT #2

SOUNDS SIGHTS SMELLS/TASTES TEXTURES

BEGINNINGThe main character will encounter an obstacle or his/her worst fear. How does this

happen?

PLOT

DESCRIPTIONS

ENDThe obstacle is overcome. This is where you include a TWIST.

Name

THE WOODS

INA

CAVE

A DESERTED MUSEUM

OLD,ABANDONED

HOUSE

ARUN-DOWNCASTLE

ABASEMENT

SETTING CUBE

MONSTER

GHOST WITCH OLD MAN

MUMMY

MADSCIENTIST

CHARACTER CUBE

The main character

is trapped.

The main character hears a strange noise.

The main character is lost and

alone.

The main character

has to save

someone.

The main character is being chased.

The main character

OBSTACLE CUBE

is stranded.

Closer and closer it came, it was getting bigger and bigger.

The night was black all around me.

Behind the door, I heard endless tapping.

Cold and wet, I tried to make my way home.

Peeking through the window, my curiosity turned to

horror.

I could feel another set of eyes

watching me.

STORY STARTER CUBE