Technology Integration Curriculum: Language Arts

The Art of Terror: Writing Your Own Scary Story

In this activity you will gain an understanding of what it takes to write a truly scary story. We will begin by looking at the various parts of writing that are necessary for penning a clear and focused narrative that immerses the reader and haunts them long after they have finished reading. We will build our skills of brainstorming, outlining, description, narration, and revision. At the end of this process you will create an e-book similar to my example above. We will then share these within the class and on social media for authentic audience feedback.

Objectives:

ELD Standard 2: The Language of Language Arts

CONNECTION: Common Core State Standards, English Language Arts, Reading: Literature, Craft and Structure #6 (Grades 11–12): Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement).

Common Core State Standards, English Language Arts, Speaking and Listening, Comprehension and Collaboration #3 (Grades 11–12): Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.

Level 1: Recognize satirical expressions (e.g., exaggeration) in familiar contexts using visual cues and storyboards.

Level 2: Identify literal meaning and satirical meaning in familiar contexts using visual cues and illustrated scripts.

Level 3: Identify literal meaning and satirical meaning using illustrated scripts.

Level 4: Compare the literal meaning and satirical meaning of visually supported speech.

Level 5: Infer the speaker’s purposes in satirical speech.

Choosing the Best Idea From a Brainstorm

Organizing Ideas Chronologically for a Narrative

Writing a Hook Sentence and Thesis Statement

Draft a Narrative Using a Plan and Transition Words

Narrative Revision Lesson

Log into this site and follow the instructions to create your e-book. Once you have completed your book and added photos, share it with the class on Twitter via #ECHSCreepypasta