Scary Stories for Kids: Short Stories to Give Children Goosebumps at Bedtime, Halloween, around a Campfire, or Whenever It Gets Dark
What’s inside...
Scary Stories for Kids is a collection of short, spooky tales designed to give children goosebumps at bedtime, Halloween, around a campfire, or whenever it gets dark. Author Bernard Tate weaves together a variety of eerie and suspenseful stories that are sure to captivate young readers and ignite their imaginations. From haunted houses to creepy creatures, this book is perfect for kids who love a good scare.
Age
8-14
Length
118 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite story from the book and why did it stand out to you?
How did you feel when reading these stories? Were there moments when you were scared, excited, or curious?
If you could change the ending of any story in the book, which one would it be and what would the new ending look like?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
If you had to tell a scary story, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when discussing the stories to create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to nurture their creative thinking skills.
Discuss the moral or lesson of each story, if applicable, to connect the stories to real-life values and decision-making.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to help them connect visually and artistically with the stories.
Share your own reactions to the stories to model expressive reading and communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The stories illustrate characters confronting spooky situations bravely, teaching children to face their fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle challenges such as trying new activities or standing up in class presentations, despite feeling anxious or scared.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The engaging tales stimulate the mind and show the limitless possibilities of creative thought.
Real-World Application: Children can use imaginative thinking to solve problems, engage in creative writing, or during playtimes to enhance their games and interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Characters in various stories express diverse fears and reactions, which can teach children to understand and empathize with different viewpoints and experiences.
Real-World Application: This can help children in their social interactions, fostering better relationships at school and with siblings by considering feelings outside their own.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Several stories highlight cause and effect, demonstrating that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of thinking before acting and the potential impact their choices can have on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The joy of shared experiences
Explanation: Reading these stories together as a family or among friends can highlight the pleasure found in shared storytelling.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the value of community and spending quality time with loved ones, which can strengthen familial bonds and friendships.