Building Fantasy Tension Through Showing

Building Fantasy Tension Through Showing

Year 5 English Show Don't Tell Techniques Creating Suspense in Fantasy Writing

Learning Objectives & Success Criteria

I can identify the difference between showing and telling in writing I can use figurative language to create tension in fantasy stories I can write descriptive scenes that build suspense without directly stating emotions Extension: I can combine multiple techniques to create complex atmospheric tension

What Creates Tension in Stories?

Think about your favorite scary or exciting movie scene What made your heart race? Was it what the characters said or what you saw happening?

Show vs Tell: The Difference

{"left":"TELLING: The dragon was scary and dangerous\nSHOWING: Smoke curled from the dragon's nostrils as its yellow eyes fixed on the trembling knight","right":"TELLING: The forest was dark and creepy\nSHOWING: Twisted branches reached like skeletal fingers through the fog, while unseen creatures rustled in the shadows"}

Figurative Language Toolkit

Similes: 'The wind howled like a hungry wolf' Metaphors: 'The castle was a sleeping giant' Personification: 'The shadows danced menacingly' Onomatopoeia: 'CRASH! BANG! WHOOSH!' Alliteration: 'Sinister shadows slithered silently'

Tension Building Challenge

Choose a fantasy setting: Haunted tower, Enchanted forest, or Dragon's lair Write ONE sentence using 'telling' method Rewrite it using 'showing' with figurative language Share with a partner and guess which creates more tension

Sensory Details for Tension

SIGHT: Flickering shadows, glowing eyes, twisted shapes SOUND: Creaking doors, distant howls, echoing footsteps SMELL: Musty dampness, acrid smoke, sweet decay TOUCH: Icy fingers, rough stone, sticky webs TASTE: Metallic fear, bitter herbs, dust in the air

Building Tension: Step by Step Process

Collaborative Story Building

Groups of 3-4 students Each person adds ONE sentence to build tension Must use different figurative language techniques Goal: Create the most suspenseful fantasy scene possible Present your group's story to the class

Reflection & Next Steps

What figurative language technique worked best for creating tension? How did 'showing' change the way you felt about the story? Which sensory details were most effective? Extension Challenge: Write a 100-word fantasy scene using all techniques learned today