Halloween Roll-a-Tale: Storytelling Fun for Your EFL Class!

Hello there, darlings! I’ve had quite a long break from writing – and to be honest, I might not yet be back full time, but you can expect a note per month as I genuinely can’t (and won’t) stop myself from sharing my ideas, tips and reflections. I hope you’ll stay with me nonetheless. If you want to receive an info every time a new post appears, subscribe to my page (you’ll find the option at the bottom of the page). Also, take a look at my FB page (https://www.facebook.com/thatisevil) – I post there almost every day, even though the Evil Algorithms are not overly friendly – that’s why I’m planning to focus more on this page and less on my social media,

Having said my “welcome back”, I need to pay attention to the fact that we’re currently enjoying October, and what a beautiful month it is, full of colours, fragrances, sun, wind… and stories of course! Especially spooky stories, as Halloween is just around the corner!

It’s the perfect time to bring some storytelling into EFL lessons. You know I love storytelling and I think it’s an incredible tool for language learning: it encourages creativity, reinforces vocabulary and grammar, and boosts speaking confidence. Plus, it’s fun, especially when you add a Halloween twist!

To help you get your students into the spirit of the season, I’ve prepared a set of free ‘Roll-a-Tale’ cards for three different levels: A1-A2 (beginner), B1-B2 (intermediate), and C1-C2 (advanced). These cards make it easy for students to create their own unique Halloween tales, and all they need is a dice and their imagination.

How Does It Work?

Each set of ‘Roll-a-Tale’ cards includes a list of characters, actions, and emotions tailored to the students’ language level. Students roll the dice to select random elements from each category and then weave them into a creative, spooky story.

For example, an A1-A2 student might roll a 4 and be asked to be a cute zombie who meets (roll a 2) a singing skeleton asking about (roll a 1) trick-or-treating and (roll a 3) visiting haunted houses which can be quite (roll a 2) festive. Meanwhile, a C1-C2 student might have to create a tale about a nice necromancer who is conducting séances while feeling paranoid. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always unique!

Why Use Storytelling in Your Lessons?

Storytelling is one of the most engaging ways to encourage language production. When students create their own stories, they:

• practice new vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context.
• improve their speaking and listening skills.
• build confidence by sharing their tales with the class.
• tap into their creativity, making learning more enjoyable.

And during Halloween, the atmosphere of mystery and fun can help even the shyest students get into the storytelling spirit!

The Halloween Roll-a-Tale Cards

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find in the three sets of cards:

A1-A2: Spooky Beginnings

Simple characters like witches, zombies, and vampires paired with actions such as knocking on doors for candy or telling ghost stories make this set perfect for younger or beginner students. The emotions are basic but relevant: scared, surprised, or brave. This level is all about getting students comfortable with storytelling while having fun.

B1-B2: Eerie Tales

For intermediate students, the characters and actions get more complex. They’ll create stories featuring banshees, phantoms, and perhaps even some magic spells. Emotions like suspense and nervousness add depth, helping students use more varied language in their narratives.

C1-C2: Dark Legends

Advanced students will enjoy the challenge of creating tales with intricate characters like revenants, necromancers, or even eldritch abominations. The actions are more sophisticated (think summoning spirits or conducting rituals), and emotions such as dread, foreboding, and awe push students to use richer, more expressive language.

How to Use These Cards

• In-Class Writing Prompts: Students can work individually or in pairs to write their own Halloween story, based on the dice roll.
• Group Storytelling: Each student rolls the dice and contributes a part of the story, passing it along to the next person to continue.
• Speaking Activity: After rolling, students tell their story aloud to the class. This is a great way to practice speaking and fluency.

Get Your Free Halloween ‘Roll-a-Tale’ Cards!

These materials are free to download and can be used as a no-prep activity in your Halloween lessons. Simply print them out, hand out the dice, and watch the magic (and mayhem!) unfold. Whether you’re working with beginners or advanced learners, these ‘Roll-a-Tale’ cards are a perfect way to make your Halloween lessons unforgettable.

Happy storytelling, and enjoy the spooky fun! 🎃 Feel free to share your students’ most creative Halloween tales in the comments. Let’s celebrate the power of language through storytelling!