These 5 lessons begin my 6-week scheme of work on short stories, in which each week focuses on a different type of short story. If you are interested, the full SOW is available in my shop, alternatively the lessons are available on a week-to-week basis.

This Mini-SOW includes:
A vocabulary list, a knowledge organiser, a homework task (on lesson 5), a SOW breakdown (for teachers).
Lesson Breakdown: Please note that some resources appear at the end of the powerpoint slides.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Gothic Fiction
Students explore the conventions of gothic fiction and learn about Edgar Allan Poe and the origins of the gothic genre. They analyse how horror stories create atmosphere, suspense, and fear.
Lesson 2: The Black Cat
Students read and track the structure of The Black Cat, focusing on tension-building, symbolism, and the idea of the unreliable narrator.
Lesson 3: The Tell-Tale Heart
Students explore how Poe uses sonic imagery, pacing, and narration to create suspense and psychological horror.
Lesson 4: The Raven
Students investigate how poetry can function as storytelling through narrative structure, symbolism, repetition, and gothic atmosphere.
Lesson 5: Writing a Gothic Horror Story
Students apply everything learned throughout the week to plan and write their own gothic horror short story using genre conventions and tension-building techniques. There is a peer-assessment and reflection element also.