Boo! Creative Writing Banner

1. Read aloud a few creepy stories and poems such as those found in "Halloween: Stories and Poems" by Caroline Feller Bauer, Bobbi Katz's "Ghosts and Goose Bumps", Jack Prelutsky's "It's Halloween", or "The Monster Mall and Other Spooky Poems" by David Steinberg. Describe the unique characters and discuss what makes them stand out.
2. Have students use their imagination to come up with original scary and/or funny characters. Write sentences about them using descriptive words and phrases. Develop an original short story or poem that incorporates the characters in the plot.
3. Create imaginary characters with Crayola Model Magic®. For each one, flatten the modeling compound with a rolling pin, or a marker. Use Crayola Scissors, a craft stick, or other modeling tool to cut out shapes such as a jack o’ lantern, monster skull, or witch head.
4. Decorate the characters with pieces of Model Magic. It sticks to itself when it’s fresh from the pack. Roll tubes and balls of various sizes to outline openings or facial features, make hair, or create spider webs. Cut ruffled edges or shapes to add scars, teeth, or slime. Marbleize Model Magic to make bloodshot eyes and mottled hair. Just knead two or three colors of Model Magic together. If pieces start to dry, attach them with Crayola School Glue.
5. Push a hole through the top of each piece with a plastic straw. Air-dry the characters overnight.
6. String raffia or ribbon through the holes. Tie knots at each piece to keep them evenly spaced. Hang up the garland and use it as a prop to tell a story or poem!

LA: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

LA: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

LA: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

VA: Use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories.

VA: Select and use subject matter, symbols, and ideas to communicate meaning.

Individually, students create imaginary characters for the purpose of story writing. In small groups or pairs, students brainstorm ideas for an original scary story that can be shared with primary students. Students continue working together to write, revise, and edit their stories until it is ready to be published. Students illustrate significant scenes in their stories. Arrange a time when students can meet with primary classes and share their original stories.

Students research Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead to find out why and how it is celebrated in Mexico and other Latino countries. Organize research into an electronic presentation.