Creative+Writing+--+Spooky+Stories

​ The first full-length unit we will explore in seventh-grade language arts will be creative writing...with a suspenseful, thrilling, and spooky twist!

We will be learning the various elements of plot and applying this knowledge to our very own short story. These stories will focus on elements of mystery and suspense. We will discuss how "spookiness" can be created without blood and gore!

The students will be aspiring authors who are seeking publication of their wonderful short stories! This will entail generating a plot for a story and working on some of the details to entice readers to want to read more. I look forward to seeing the creativity flow as the students demonstrate their ability to incorporate new skills.

Outline of Unit: 
 * elements of plot/short stories
 * using dialogue in writing
 * figurative language
 * suspenseful/mysterious characteristics
 * Edgar Allan Poe's //A Tell Tale Heart//
 * "Spooky Stories"
 * create a plot line
 * summary of plot
 * "sneak peek" excerpt of story
 * presentation to class

and Character Sketch** || **__assigned:__** Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 |||| __**due:**__ Friday, October 2nd, 2009 || Story** || __**assigned:**__ Friday, October 2nd, 2009 || __**due:**__ Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 || excerpt of short story** || **__assigned:__** Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 || __**due:**__ Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 ||
 * **Graphic Organizer
 * [[file:characteristics graphic organizer.doc]] ||  ||   ||
 * **Plot Outline** || __**assigned:**__ Thursday, October 1st, 2009 || __**due:**__ Friday, October 9th, 2009 ||
 * **Summary -- Short
 * **Summary -- Short
 * [[file:Writing your synopsis (summary).doc]] ||  ||   ||
 * **"Sneak Peek"
 * **Presentations to Class** ||  || __**due:**__ Thursday, October 22nd & Friday, October 23rd, 2009 ||
 * **Presentations to Class** ||  || __**due:**__ Thursday, October 22nd & Friday, October 23rd, 2009 ||