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ELA Reading and Writing: Learn to Write a Horror Short Story in 4 Weeks
Ms. Chelsea M. Ed. | ELA, Paranormal, & True Crime
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(100)
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.
Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Advanced Level
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
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...
4 lessons//4 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Exploring the Key Elements of Horror LiteratureRead: "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.Week 2Lesson 2Character Development in HorrorRead: "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.Week 3Lesson 3Start Writing Your StoryRead: "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.Week 4Lesson 4Finish, Revise, and EditFinish writing your short story, incorporating what we've gone over previously. An outline and some checklists will be provided.
- 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
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.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: 3-6 per weekFeedback: as neededDetails: 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
Frequency: includedDetails:Certificate of Completion
Frequency: includedDetails:
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.
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.
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
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.
Joined November, 2021
4.9
100reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Howdy! I am Ms. Chelsea! I love reading and writing. There is an escape in books that cannot be found anywhere else. I am a traveler. I have visited Hogwarts, Narnia, Neverland, The Hundred Acre Wood, and many other places, without leaving my...
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$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 1 learner
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Ages: 10-14
