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!
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.
✍️ 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.
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.
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:
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Start in the middle of something happening (don’t introduce too much at once).
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Use senses (sight, sound, touch, smell).
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Build mystery (what is hidden, what might happen next).
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End your paragraph with a small cliffhanger.
Example Openings (short)
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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.
Monday October 6
Within the first 20 minutes, you will have the opportunity to complete your own text.
Then you will change texts with another pair.
When you think you are finished, use the checklist below and go through your own text:
✅ Show, Don’t Tell – Self-Check List
🔍 Step 1: Setting and Action
☐ Did I start in the middle of something happening (not just describing)?
☐ Can the reader imagine the place (what it looks, sounds, smells, or feels like)?
☐ Did I avoid long sentences?
👀 Step 2: Using the Five Senses
☐ Did I use what the character sees (light, shadows, details)?
☐ Did I include sounds (creaking doors, footsteps, wind)?
☐ Did I use touch or feeling (cold air, shaking hands, rough wood)?
☐ Did I mention smells or tastes if they fit (dust, blood, damp leaves)?
💬 Step 3: Feelings and Emotions
☐ Did I show emotions through actions or body language (heart racing, hands shaking, whispering)?
☐ Did I avoid telling words like “scared,” “angry,” or “happy”?
☐ Can the reader feel what the character feels without me saying it directly?
🕵️ Step 4: Mystery and Mood
☐ Did I build tension or curiosity (something unknown, strange sounds, half-seen shapes)?
☐ Does the reader want to know what happens next?
☐ Did I end with a small cliffhanger or something left unexplained?
✏️ Step 5: Sentence Flow and Word Choice
☐ Did I use varied sentences (some short for suspense)?
☐ Did I pick strong verbs and adjectives (crept, slammed, flickered, icy, sharp)?
☐ Did I use correct interpunctuation? (.,?!)
☐ Did I use paragraphs?
☐ Did I write I with a capital letter?
⭐ Bonus Check
☐ If I read it aloud, can my partner picture it like a movie in their head?
☐ Would my paragraph fit as the opening scene of a scary story?
NEXT STEP
* When you think you are done, tell Sara.
* You will now change texts with another group and give the group feedback.
* I will tell you who to change texts with. When you receive a text, share it with each other.
* Write comments on the checklist (you will get it on paper) and give feedback to help your classmates improve their writing.
BE NICE! Remember that you, too, will receive feedback.
Individual writing
Before writing:
Decide what to write about.
Choose a character and setting. You can take notes directly in your worksheet.
Next time, you will write your story in Inspera. The story will be about 500-700 words and size 12.
You will have the checklist that we have worked with to help you, but no internet, no spell or grammar check.
Your brain is your best friend!
The story will be graded.
/ Sara
The material above is inspired by Ellen Malcolm.
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