Activity Overview
“I don’t know what to write!” is a very common occurrence in the classroom. When writing fiction, some kids need a very solid start already given to them. Some kids will take whatever topic or prompt you give them and turn it into a masterpiece that you never expected! Use Storyboard That to get students thinking about stories. Give them a prompt to work with, or start a storyboard for them to finish. The prompt for this example is, “Lucy was alone in the woods…"
Depending on the level of your students, you may want to enforce the narrative arc, or you may just want the story to make sense sequentially. This particular activity is good for expanding “quick write” ideas, or boiling down a story idea to its major points. It is also good to get stuck students started. Present several finished stories to see the different directions students took!
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
Create a story! Use the starting prompt provided or use your own from your imagination.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use the description boxes and textables to tell your story.
- Create illustrations for each part using all the fun scenes, characters, and items!
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
“I don’t know what to write!” is a very common occurrence in the classroom. When writing fiction, some kids need a very solid start already given to them. Some kids will take whatever topic or prompt you give them and turn it into a masterpiece that you never expected! Use Storyboard That to get students thinking about stories. Give them a prompt to work with, or start a storyboard for them to finish. The prompt for this example is, “Lucy was alone in the woods…"
Depending on the level of your students, you may want to enforce the narrative arc, or you may just want the story to make sense sequentially. This particular activity is good for expanding “quick write” ideas, or boiling down a story idea to its major points. It is also good to get stuck students started. Present several finished stories to see the different directions students took!
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
Create a story! Use the starting prompt provided or use your own from your imagination.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use the description boxes and textables to tell your story.
- Create illustrations for each part using all the fun scenes, characters, and items!
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Halloween Writing Prompts & Story Starters
Encourage Reluctant Writers with Collaborative Storyboard Activities
Pair students up and have them work together to complete a Halloween-themed storyboard. Collaboration helps spark new ideas and makes writing less intimidating for those who struggle to get started.
Assign Roles for Structured Story Creation
Give each student a specific role—such as illustrator, dialogue writer, or plot developer. Clear roles provide focus and ensure everyone contributes meaningfully to the final story.
Model Story Planning with a Visual Organizer
Demonstrate how to break down a story into beginning, middle, and end using a graphic organizer. Visual planning supports organization and helps students see how their ideas connect.
Incorporate Peer Feedback Sessions
Set aside time for students to share their storyboards with classmates and offer constructive feedback. Peer review builds confidence and inspires creative revisions.
Celebrate Finished Stories with a Classroom Showcase
Host a showcase where students present their completed Halloween stories to the class. Celebrating their work motivates students and reinforces the joy of creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Halloween Writing Prompts & Story Starters
What are some easy Halloween writing prompts for elementary students?
Easy Halloween writing prompts for elementary students include story starters like “Lucy was alone in the woods…”, “A mysterious pumpkin appeared on my desk…”, and “The classroom ghost left a note!” These prompts spark imagination and can be used for quick writes or longer stories.
How can I help students who struggle to start writing Halloween stories?
To help students who struggle to start writing Halloween stories, provide them with structured prompts or begin a story for them to complete. Using visual aids like storyboards can also inspire ideas and make writing more engaging for reluctant writers.
What is the benefit of using story starters in Halloween classroom activities?
Story starters encourage creativity, reduce writer’s block, and help students organize their thoughts. For Halloween activities, they make writing fun and engaging, allowing students to explore different narrative directions in a festive context.
How do I use Storyboard That for Halloween writing assignments?
To use Storyboard That for Halloween writing, ask students to select or receive a prompt, then create a storyboard illustrating and narrating their story. They can use description boxes and images to bring their ideas to life, either individually or in pairs.
What are some tips for expanding quick write ideas into full Halloween stories?
Expand quick writes by encouraging students to add more details, develop characters, and build a clear sequence of events. Using a narrative arc or presenting finished examples can inspire students to turn short ideas into complete Halloween stories.
More Storyboard That Activities
Halloween Classroom Activities
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
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