Halloween Short Stories for Middle School
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 2, 2023
If you have been following along with me on the blog for a while, you know my obsession with short stories. Add that to my love for all things Halloween, and you can guess that teaching spooky short stories is definitely a year highlight. In this post I will share some of my favorite Halloween short stories for middle school. I hope you can find some great ones to share with your learners this season!
Looking for a some COMPLETE units featuring Halloween short stories for middle school? Click the image or button below to see all of the different spooky story units I have available in my TPT Shop!
Why should I teach these Halloween Short Stories for Middle School?
Short stories make a big impact in few pages. Their limited length ensures they get straight to the point. Because of this, they pack a massive literary punch. These short works of literature grab a reader’s attention right from the start. This makes them great for reluctant readers. This is because their patience and attention spans can often run short. While they can be enjoyed by all students, they are perfect for the kids who are unable (or unwilling) to tackle an entire novel.
Interested in more information on Halloween short stories for middle school? Check out my previous posts here and here.
Click Clack the Rattle Bag – Neil Gaiman
I only recently discovered this story, but immediately added it to my Halloween short story roster. The story starts with a young boy asking his sister’s boyfriend to tell him a scary story. As they meander up the stairs of the large house, their conversation turns to Click Clacks, which are horrible monsters that suck humans dry. I won’t give away the ending in case you haven’t read this one yet, but it definitely will add some Halloween spookiness to your short story unit. It is only a few pages long, which means students can read, discuss, and complete a few activities in one or two class periods.
If you don’t have a copy of this short story, you can read it online here. Alternately, you can listen to Neil Gaiman read it aloud by watching the YouTube video below.
For tips and tricks for keeping students engaged and accountable during a class read aloud, check out our post on read aloud accountability.
Hey You Down There – Harold Rolseth
This obscure short story was introduced to me by a close teaching colleague. She had been using it with her learners for a number of years, and thought my students might enjoy it too. She was definitely not wrong. This story has just the right amount of creepy weirdness to engage even your most reluctant of learners.
While Calvin is out digging a well with his wife, the ground gives way, revealing a very large hole. Calvin decides to lower down a flashlight in a bucket, to see how far the hole goes down. When he pulls up the bucket, however, he discovers a note and a gold bar. Looking to capitalize on this discovery, Calvin sets out to see how much gold he can gather. As the story continues, we learn more and more about the creepy creatures down below, culminating in an ending that is both creepy and strangely rewarding.
If you do not have a copy of this short story, you can read it online here. Alternately, you can hear the story read aloud on YouTube by viewing the video below.
Lamb to the Slaughter – Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is easily one of my favorite writers of all time. While his novels are amazing, his lesser known short stories are equally as great.
“Lamb to the Slaughter” focuses on a scorned woman, who has murdered her husband with a frozen leg of lamb. The rest of the story revolves around her trying to hide her guilt and conceal the evidence. This is certainly a creepy story. However, I think that is exactly what makes it so appealing to students of this age group. I often use the story to teach persuasive essay writing, while having the kids debate about whether or not they think the main character should get away with the crimes. After reading, I always make sure to show the kids the Alfred Hitchcock version of the story on YouTube. Mary’s giggle at the end of the video is haunting!
The Feather Pillow – Horatio Quiroga
This is another short story that I only recently discovered, but instantly fell in love with. It tells the story of a new bride, who is madly in love with her husband. However, soon after they are wed, she comes down with an illness that leaves her bedridden. The end of the story is sure to make you (and your learners) think twice before laying their head down on their pillows at night.
Because this story talks about a creepy pillow creature, it is a great opportunity to connect a little non-fiction to the classroom reading.
To complete the activity, I have students read a non-fiction article about bed bugs, and complete some comprehension questions. After, we watch the YouTube video I have included below – it will surely make your skin crawl!
On the hunt for more great holiday themed middle school short stories? Check out our lists of favorite short stories for St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Black History Month!
Looking for more Halloween Short Stories for Middle School?
Check these previous posts:
Edgar Allan Poe Activities for Middle School
Interested in trying out some of these activities in your middle school classroom?
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Want to see some of these spooky short story activities in action? Check out the video below on YouTube!
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