One common element is the spooky setting. Middle schools have many areas that can be made to seem scary, like empty hallways, locked attics, or dark basements. Another element is the unknown or unexplained. For example, strange noises that no one can figure out the source of. Also, the idea of a past event that haunts the present, such as a long - ago accident or a student who disappeared.
In a middle school near a cemetery, there's a story about a strange girl who appears on the playground at dusk. She always wears old - fashioned clothes and has a sad look. Some students who have seen her say that when they get closer, she vanishes into thin air, leaving behind a chill in the air.
In a middle school, there was a legend about a haunted locker. A new student didn't believe it. One night, she was staying late for a club activity. As she passed the row of lockers, she heard a strange scratching sound coming from the 'haunted' locker. She stopped and stared at it. The locker door slowly creaked open. Inside, there was a pair of old shoes that seemed to be filled with something dark. A cold wind blew through the hallway. She quickly ran away, her heart pounding. After that, she always avoided that locker.
Well, for a middle school scary short story to be effective, it should have relatable characters. Middle school students can easily put themselves in the shoes of other students in the story. The use of superstitions or local legends related to the school can also add to the scariness. For example, if there's a story about a curse on the school because of something that happened long ago. And don't forget about the power of suggestion. You don't always have to show the scary thing fully. Just a glimpse or a hint can be much scarier, like a shadow moving in the corner of the eye of the main character.
Yes, they should. Reading scary stories can be a thrilling and exciting experience for middle school students. It can also help them develop their imagination and creativity.
One common middle school scary story is about the haunted bathroom. It's said that at midnight, if you go to a certain bathroom in the school, you'll see a figure in the mirror that isn't your own reflection. Another is the story of the old janitor who died in the school long ago and now his ghost roams the hallways at night, making strange noises.
I think it's okay if they have the maturity and can handle the emotions. But parents or teachers should guide them and have discussions after to make sure they aren't negatively affected.
There was this story in a middle school. There was a locked attic that no one was supposed to go to. A group of curious students managed to find a way in. Once inside, they found old, dusty desks and books. But then, they heard a door slam shut behind them. They were trapped and started to hear whispers. They were really scared until they finally found a small window to climb out of.
The suspense. Middle reader short scary stories often have a lot of suspense. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator keeps building up the tension as he plans his deed. The unknown also plays a big part. We don't know what exactly is going to happen next, like in 'The Landlady' where we're not sure about the landlady's true intentions at first. And the sense of danger, even if it's not too extreme, makes it exciting for young readers.
One common theme is the unknown. For example, in stories where there are strange noises at night or something lurking in the shadows. The characters don't know what it is, and that creates fear. Another theme is death. Many of these stories might involve ghosts or the idea of a character facing death in a spooky way. Like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the wishes lead to death - related consequences.