Activity Overview
Describing things can be a daunting task for students. With this worksheet, students will finish a spooky scene and then write a description about it below. Encourage students to use vivid adjectives and onomatopoeia while describing what is happening in the scene they have completed.
Clicking "Copy Activity" will copy the example storyboard above. Feel free to print this one as is or edit it with different scenes or add characters or items! Using the "Remove Color", "Pencil", and "Marker" filters will give you the coloring book feel.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add characters and items to each scene.
- Write a detailed description of the setting, or make up a spooky story!
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Describing things can be a daunting task for students. With this worksheet, students will finish a spooky scene and then write a description about it below. Encourage students to use vivid adjectives and onomatopoeia while describing what is happening in the scene they have completed.
Clicking "Copy Activity" will copy the example storyboard above. Feel free to print this one as is or edit it with different scenes or add characters or items! Using the "Remove Color", "Pencil", and "Marker" filters will give you the coloring book feel.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add characters and items to each scene.
- Write a detailed description of the setting, or make up a spooky story!
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Write a Spooky Scene!
How to Teach Students to Brainstorm Spooky Vocabulary
Gather students in small groups or pairs to brainstorm a list of words that evoke a spooky atmosphere. Guide them to think about sights, sounds, and feelings often found in eerie settings, such as 'creaking,' 'shadowy,' or 'whisper.' This collaborative activity builds vocabulary and boosts creativity before writing.
Model Using Adjectives and Onomatopoeia Together
Demonstrate how to combine vivid adjectives with onomatopoeia in a sentence, like 'The chilly wind howled through the abandoned hallway.' Point out how this technique makes the description more immersive and engaging for readers.
Encourage Peer Sharing and Feedback
Invite students to share their spooky scene descriptions with a partner or small group. Ask peers to highlight the most vivid words or sounds used. Peer feedback helps students notice strong writing and inspires new ideas.
Create a Classroom Word Wall of Spooky Terms
Designate a section of your classroom wall or bulletin board for spooky words students discover or invent. Add new words as students write, making it a living resource. This visual aid supports ongoing descriptive writing and celebrates creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Write a Spooky Scene!
How can I help students write a spooky scene effectively?
Encourage students to use vivid adjectives, onomatopoeia, and sensory details when describing their spooky scene. Prompt them to imagine what they see, hear, and feel, and to use creative language to bring the story to life.
What are some tips for teaching descriptive writing to K-12 students?
Start by modeling descriptive writing with examples, focus on using adjectives and action words, and encourage students to show rather than tell. Use fun activities like completing spooky scenes to make learning engaging.
What is the best way to use the 'Write a Spooky Scene' worksheet in class?
Have students finish the scene visually by adding characters or items, then write a description underneath. Use it as an individual, partner, or group activity, and let students share their work for peer feedback.
How can I modify the spooky scene activity for different grade levels?
For younger students, simplify instructions and focus on basic adjectives. For older students, add challenges like using figurative language or writing a short story. Adjust the complexity of the scene as needed.
Why is using onomatopoeia important in descriptive writing?
Onomatopoeia helps readers imagine sounds in the story, making descriptions more immersive and engaging. Words like 'creak', 'howl', or 'rustle' add vividness to spooky scenes.
More Storyboard That Activities
Halloween Classroom Activities
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
