Scary Stories

 When my daughter was in the 7th grade, she went with me to Los Angeles. We did a lot of things, but one thing that she keeps talking about is that we visited  Universal Studios. We went there during late October so it was a Halloween theme in the park. There were monsters and scary stuff everywhere. The most terrifying was: The Walking Dead! 

Would you have dared to go in there? 

Halloween is soon here, and we are going to read, listen, discuss and write about scary stories! 

Do you know when and why Halloween is celebrated? 

Watch this video and find out: 

Discussion: 

1. In your groups, discuss the questions.

- The person who has the most letters in his or her first name will start choosing one of the questions.

- Express your own opinion and ask one group member about his or her opinion. 

- Go clockwise. The next student chooses a question, expresses his/her opinion and asks a group member about his/her opinion. 

- Continue until you have talked about all 7 questions. 

- Make sure everyone participates and that you speak English all the time. 

Listening: 

You will get a worksheet with the words and questions. 

1. Do you understand the words?

Do you understand the questions? 

I will help you understand them before we start listening. 

Underline important words so you know what to listen for in the story.

2. Listen to the story about Emma, Jack and Mia who decide to explore a haunted house. 

3. Answer the questions individually. 

Reading:

The Yellow Ribbon
The Yellow Ribbon is a folktale that has been told in the U.S. for many years. Like other pieces of American folklore, it has been passed down by word of mouth and retold in different versions.
It’s not a “true” historical story, but more of a legend or spooky tale.
Just like ghost stories, tall tales, and local legends, it is part of American folklore.

1. Read the text in pairs. 

2. Answer the questions (write in your notebooks)

Why does Johnny keep asking Jane about the yellow ribbon?

What is Johnny curious about? 

What happens when Johnny finally unties the ribbon at the end?

Why do you think Jane chooses never to explain the ribbon until her deathbed? 

What might be her reasons? 

Writing: 

I choose your groups! 

Follow the instructions: 

✍️ Creative Writing Assignment: The Beginning of a Scary Story

Goal: Practise writing with show, don’t tell and build suspense in the opening of a scary story.

Step 1: Choose a Picture

Look at the four images that are in front of you.  Pick one picture as the setting or starting point of your story.

Step 2: Show, Don’t Tell

Examples for “Show, Don’t Tell” (Scary Beginnings)

Haunted House (Picture 1)

❌ Don’t tell: The house was scary.
✅ Show: The windows were broken, and the door moved by itself. Cold air came from inside, and I felt my hands shake.

Dark Forest (Picture 2)

❌ Don’t tell: I was afraid in the forest.
✅ Show: The forest was dark. I could not see the end of the path. My heart beat fast when I heard a branch crack behind me.

Use sounds, smells, textures, and small details to show fear.

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Step 3: Write Your Beginning

In groups of three: 

👉 Your Task: Write your own beginning. Choose a picture, use “show, don’t tell,” and make the reader want to keep reading! 

Write one strong paragraph (6–10 sentences) that could be the opening of a scary story.

Tips to include:

• Start in the middle of something happening (don’t introduce too much at once).

• Use senses (sight, sound, touch, smell).

• Build mystery (what is hidden, what might happen next).

• End your paragraph with a small cliffhanger.

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Example Openings (short)

• The forest was too quiet. No birds, no rustle of branches—only my own footsteps crunching on the frozen leaves. Each step seemed louder than it should, and every shadow stretched too far, as if something was moving just beyond the trees.

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Final writing assignment (that will be assessed) 

Coming soon to a blog near you! 

/ Sara 

The material above is inspired by Ellen Malcolm.