SPOOKY SHORT STORY LESSON & ACTIVITY

🎃 A Halloween-Themed Writing Adventure for Students

Get your students into the Halloween spirit with structure, support, and a spooky twist.

This interactive Google Slides lesson is perfect for reluctant writers, creative minds who need a nudge, or anyone who’s ever stared at a blank page unsure where to begin. With creepy characters, eerie settings, and just the right dose of literary device review, this activity turns hesitation into momentum and writing into fun.

💡 What Students Will Do

• Review 5 spooky story-building literary devices: Mood, Description, Setting, Turning Point, Cliffhanger

• Choose or roll for story elements: Characters, Sidekicks, Settings, Plot Twists, and Cliffhangers

• Record their elements using a story map + worksheet

• Write their own original spooky short story

• Share their tale with classmates, friends, family or submit it to a writing contest!

🧙‍♀️ What’s Included

• Google Slides lesson with Halloween-themed visuals

• Digital dice option for randomized story generation

• Fillable story map + planning worksheet

• Optional short story example for inspiration

• Multiple paths to support reluctant writers or challenge more advanced students

🕯️ Why It Works

• The literary device review is quick, clear, and creative

• The choose-or-roll approach removes the stress of brainstorming

• Students feel supported and inspired to get their ideas on the page

• It’s adaptable for individual writing time, small groups, or spooky whole-class fun

🎲 Bonus: Use the Digital Dice!

Students can choose their story path or let fate decide. Rolling the included digital die (or a real one if you’ve got it!) adds suspense and spontaneity to their planning process.

Set the mood, spark the imagination, and let your students craft stories that give you chills—in the best way.

Perfect for middle or high school ELA classes looking to celebrate Halloween through storytelling. 🕸️✍️