ELA Reading and Writing: Learn to Write a Horror Short Story in 4 Weeks
In this middle school English Language Arts reading & writing class, learners will learn horror writing styles by reading example stories, answering reading comprehension and genre questions, then writing their own scenes and short stories.
Ms. Chelsea M. Ed. | ELA, Paranormal, & True Crime
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What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, learners will have a reading and writing assignment they should expect to spend one to two hours a week on, including watching the mini-lesson and instructional videos. Reminder: Feedback is not available for subscription families.Letter Grade
includedCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Advanced Level
In this English Language Arts (ELA) writing class, we will read mentor texts to help illustrate how horror characteristics are used within the genre. The mentor texts will also act as different examples of subgenres within the horror genre, such as thriller (a human is the antagonist), supernatural, gothic, and sci-fi. There will also be a short lecture video, about fifteen minutes long, to watch with each lesson, in addition to the text and two writing activities. Specifics are provided in the syllabus. Learners will not have any live meetings, and will reference the pre-recorded lecture videos in the classroom. Certificates of completion and grades are available upon request. Feedback is provided at the end of the week, typically Sundays. If work has not been submitted by Sunday, then feedback should be expected by the following Sunday.
Learning Goals
Daily English Language Arts Skills Practiced in this class include but are not limited to:
-Expression and comprehension
- The interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking- Developing and sustaining foundational language skills
-Inquiry
-Critical thinking and analysis
-Literacy
-Building connections using prior knowledge
-Creating relationships among ideas
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Exploring the Key Elements of Horror Literature
Read: "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe- A classic tale of madness and guilt, this story showcases Poe's mastery in building tension and creating a chilling atmosphere. Learners will answer reading comprehension questions.
Write 1: A short horror scene focusing on setting and mood. This will be the setting of your story.
Watch (Optional): To Serve Man episode of The Twilight Zone.
Write 2: Describe how atmosphere, tension, and suspense are established in both the story and the episode. 15 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Character Development in Horror
Read: "Frankenstein" the condensed play and answer reading comprehension questions.
Write 1: How are Dr. Frankenstein and the monster developed throughout the story?
Write 2: Create a character profile for your original horror protagonist or antagonist (or both) of your short story. 25 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Start Writing Your Story
Read: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving & answer reading comprehension & genre questions that Explore the use of supernatural elements and the uncanny in horror storytelling.
Watch (Optional): The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)
Write 1: Begin planning and writing your short story. 29 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Finish, Revise, and Edit
Finish writing your short story, incorporating what we've gone over previously. An outline and some checklists will be provided. 6 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Learning Needs
I have the experience to support unique learning needs, we all have them, after all. Learning is not one size fits all. I provide support and scaffolding within the classroom to help learners grow.
Parental Guidance
Some of the material read and watched may be scary for some learners, so parental discretion is advised. Most of the stories feature death and mild violence. For example, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" features a supernatural being that tries to attack the protagonist. In "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator is dealing with his guilt after committing a murder. Multiple characters in "Frankenstein" die, including a boy. These tragedies contribute to the story, however, and allow for in-depth analysis of characters, as well as character development, such as the case with Frankenstein. The Creature becomes the way he is out of his own loneliness and treatment by others.
Supply List
All necessary materials will be provided, including worksheets and reading passages. Videos will be embedded in the classroom for viewing. Optional materials your learners may want include but are not limited to: writing utensils, paper, and printed assignments.
Joined November, 2021
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from University of Texas of the Permian Basin
I received a bachelor's degree in maritime studies from Texas A&M with minors in anthropology and English. I also have a master's degree in professional education from the University of Texas. I am certified to teach grades 7-12 (middle and high school level) English/Language Arts in the state of Texas. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$15
weekly or $60 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 5 learners
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Ages: 10-14
