Scary Stories
Objective: This worksheet aims to engage students in reading and analyzing a short scary story, encouraging them to think critically about narrative elements and predict outcomes, while also fostering creative expression.
Content and methods: The worksheet features a multi-part scary story. Students are instructed to read the beginning of the story aloud, with the option of background music to enhance the atmosphere. After each section of the story, discussion prompts encourage students to analyze what has happened and predict what will happen next. The worksheet concludes with an activity where students draw their favorite scene from the story.
Competencies:
- Reading comprehension
- Oral reading fluency
- Critical thinking and analysis of narrative elements (e.g., suspense, atmosphere)
- Prediction skills
- Collaborative discussion
- Creative expression (drawing)
Target group: 3rd-5th grade
52 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
3rd-5th grade
Subjects
Scary Stories
Reading scary stories
Now you will read the beginning of a scary story together. Let one student read the text out loud while the others listen attentively. To create even more of a Halloween atmosphere, you can also play some soft, eerie music in the background.
The Vampire in the Castle
On top of a misty hill stood an old, crumbling castle. The villagers whispered that a vampire lived there, lurking in the shadows. No one dared to go near, especially at night. But one foggy Halloween evening, two curious children, Lucy and Tom, decided to explore the castle. As they climbed the steep path, the wind howled, and the trees seemed to reach out with their gnarled branches. The castle's massive door creaked open, and a cold, eerie silence filled the air. Lucy and Tom stepped inside, their hearts racing, as a pair of glowing red eyes watched them from the darkness…
The beginning of the story
Before you continue reading, briefly discuss with your class: What happened at the beginning of the story? What makes the beginning so creepy?
Lucy and Tom tiptoed down a dark hallway, their footsteps echoing. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and the air smelled old and dusty. Suddenly, they heard a soft, eerie whisper, "Who's there?" They froze, clutching each other tightly. A shadow moved across the wall, and the whisper grew louder, "Come closer…" Trembling, they followed the sound to a grand, dimly-lit room. In the center stood a tall figure with a long, black cloak. "Welcome," it said in a deep, chilling voice. Lucy and Tom gasped as the figure turned, revealing a pale face with sharp fangs and those glowing red eyes…
Lucy and Tom's hearts pounded as they stared at the figure. The room felt colder, and the shadows seemed to deepen. "Who… who are you?" Lucy managed to whisper, her voice trembling. The figure stepped closer, and they could see the sharp fangs glistening in the dim light.
"I am the Guardian of Secrets," the figure hissed. "Those who enter must pay the price."
Tom squeezed Lucy's hand. "What do you want from us?" he asked, his voice barely audible.
The Guardian raised a bony finger, pointing to an ancient, dusty book on a pedestal. "Read from this book, and reveal the secrets it holds," it commanded. "But beware, for each secret comes with a cost."
Lucy and Tom exchanged worried glances. They knew they had no choice. With shaking hands, Lucy reached for the book, its cover cold and rough. As she opened it, a chilling wind swept through the room, and the whispering voices grew louder, swirling all around them.
What will happen next?
What do you think will happen next in the story? Discuss it in class before reading the end of the story.
Lucy and Tom braced themselves as Lucy began to read from the book. The pages crackled like old leaves, and the words glowed with a ghostly light. Suddenly, the room filled with swirling shadows and eerie whispers. They could see the Guardian's eyes gleaming with anticipation.
But then, something unexpected happened. The book's pages started to turn on their own, faster and faster, until they stopped on a page with a bright, golden light. The whispers turned into gentle, soothing voices.
"Thank you for freeing us," the voices said. "We were trapped by the Guardian's curse, but your bravery has set us free."
The Guardian shrieked, shrinking into a tiny, harmless shadow before disappearing completely. The room warmed up, and the shadows faded away. Lucy and Tom felt a sense of relief wash over them.
They closed the book gently, and Lucy smiled at Tom. "We did it," she said.
Hand in hand, they left the room, knowing they had faced their fears and won.
Draw a picture of your favorite scene from the scary story.
