Share: Scary Story Idea

[Picone <rpicone@GARDEN.NET>]

I had a parent call me to tell me that her child (3rd grade boy) got off =
the bus and his first words to her were "Library was SO WAY COOL today =
Mom."  So, since it's the little things that keep us going, try this.  =
Perfect for Halloween, but can be used anytime.

Make the library dark, all blinds down, lights out.  I used a "campfire" =
(a bunch of logs with christmas lights in them) in the center of my =
reading corner.  Important that you meet the kids outside the library =
and do an anticipatory set.  Let them know that they are about to enter =
the "Silent Zone" because you are doing a Spooktactular story (or some =
such).  It is to be so silent that even if they have a question they are =
to write it down and hand it to you.  Even your helpers can't talk!  =
Only you. =20

Once they pass the door their voices are gone.  They are to sit and wait =
for directions.  At this point I played a tape I have, an old one, about =
the Bermuda triangle.  It ends at the point where the frightened =
character says "You wouldn't believe what I saw next..."  And then I =
make them write or draw what their mind's eye saw.

Then I bring them to the campfire and I read Bruce Coleville's short =
story "The Hand."  (About a hand that visits a little boy in the =
night... it turns out it is looking for it's wedding ring, but it is =
just ghastly enough to fit 3rd grade and up.)  When done, silent book =
selection.

What a hoot!  The key to this lesson is the set up.  You have to meet =
them outside the door and set the tone.  Have fun, and Happy Halloween!

Btty Picone, Media Specialist
Fredon Elementary School
459 Rt. 94
Newton, NJ 0786
rpicone@tellurian.net
www.fredon.org

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