Craft Lesson #3

Writing a Halloween Story

Resource Materials:
Book: Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes
Hardback books
Pencil
Crayons
Colored Pencils

Discussion:
Using our imaginations in the classroom is one of the most important things we can do when reading and writing. In Los Gatos Black on Halloween, the vivid illustrations and rhyming poetry throughout the story easily allow children to use their imaginations. Stories like this are wonderful for inspiring creativity.

How to Teach it: (3rd or 4th grade)
The lesson will begin as I read the story to the class around Halloween time in late October. After the story, we will talk about what they liked and did not like about it. I will ask them questions about it. Do they think it is a good Halloween story? Were a few of them possibly even frightened by it? What was their favorite part? They will then compose their own Halloween tale in a hardback book. This lesson will be two to three days long as the students will need time to come up with a story and do the best job that they can. Time will be made for them to work on these books. On the third day, the children will bring one Halloween item from home and a bag of candy to share with their classmates. This will help them to get into the spirit of Halloween. The books will become a special project for each student and a chance for them to use their imagination and creativity as well during this fun holiday.