Montana Chillers: 13 True Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings
Montana Chillers Series
What’s inside...
Montana Chillers: 13 True Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings, penned by Ellen Baumler, is a spine-tingling collection of supernatural stories that delve into Montana's eerie past. Each of the 13 tales is meticulously researched and recounts chilling encounters with the paranormal in various locations across the state. From haunted houses and spectral figures to mysterious occurrences and ghostly whispers, Baumler brings to life the legends and folklore that have been passed down through generations. The book not only entertains readers with its ghostly narratives but also provides a historical context, making it a fascinating read for both enthusiasts of the paranormal and those interested in Montana's rich history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to encounter a ghost? How would you feel?
Why do you think people are fascinated by ghost stories and hauntings?
Which story in the book intrigued you the most and why?
If you could ask a ghost from the book one question, what would it be?
How do the stories in the book make you think about history and the past?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the setting of each story, perhaps drawing it or describing it aloud to enhance their engagement.
Discuss with your child the emotions they might feel in a ghostly encounter, linking it to the feelings of characters in the book.
Ask open-ended questions to your child about their favorite story in the book to develop their analytical thinking and personal connection to the reading.
Share your own thoughts or mild ghostly experiences you’ve heard about to make the discussion more relatable and lively.
Encourage your child to think of creative questions they would ask a character from the book, promoting empathy and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding history and culture
Explanation: Through the accounts of local lore and ghost tales, children can understand the rich history and cultural narratives of Montana.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by showing respect and curiosity towards different cultural traditions and historical contexts in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As they engage with tales that blend fact and fiction, children learn to differentiate between myth and reality, enhancing their analytical skills.
Real-World Application: This skill helps them question the validity of information in daily life and fosters a healthy skepticism.
Example Lesson: Emotional resilience
Explanation: By exploring spooky stories that may initially seem frightening, children can learn to manage their emotions and confront their fears in a controlled environment.
Real-World Application: This helps them handle new or intimidating situations more calmly in their everyday experiences.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The supernatural elements and mysterious settings in the book encourage children to use their imagination and think creatively.
Real-World Application: This fosters creativity in problem solving and artistic expression in real life.
Example Lesson: Ethics and moral values
Explanation: Some tales highlight themes of justice and moral consequences, teaching children about right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This encourages them to consider the impact of their actions on others and promotes ethical thinking in their daily interactions.