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.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.