Notes from the Inkpot
Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.
10 Haunting Poems to Teach This Halloween (That Aren’t Just The Raven)
Halloween isn’t just for spooky short stories — poetry can be just as haunting. From Poe’s The Raven to eerie ballads like The Unquiet Grave, these poems bring atmosphere, symbolism, and Gothic chills into the classroom. Perfect for middle and high school, this list offers ten haunting poems that make October lessons both literary and seasonal.
Halloween Gothic Short Stories & Creative Writing Bundle: Teach Analysis and Imagination in One Go
Looking for ready-to-go Halloween ELA activities? This Gothic short story and creative writing bundle is perfect for middle and high school lesson plans. Explore The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Monkey’s Paw with complete activities, then let students create their own eerie narratives through the Victoriana Creative Writing Mystery Box. A time-saving, engaging way to combine analysis and imagination this October.
70 Halloween Writing Prompts for Teens: Story Starters, Titles, Characters, Settings & Visual Ideas
Get into the spooky spirit with 70 Halloween writing prompts designed for teen writers. From eerie plot hooks and chilling titles to haunted settings and creepy character ideas, this collection brings the mystery and magic of October to life. Perfect for classrooms or young writers, these prompts encourage creativity through suspense, atmosphere, and a touch of fear.
10 Best Edgar Allan Poe Stories to Teach (And How to Teach Them)
Spooky season is the perfect time to teach Edgar Allan Poe. From The Tell-Tale Heart to The Masque of the Red Death, his stories and poems hook students with Gothic atmosphere, unreliable narrators, and detective intrigue. This list highlights the 10 best Poe texts to teach — with ready-to-use resources, activities, and creative ideas to bring them alive in your classroom.