Description
This lesson for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving pairs reading comprehension, literary analysis, and creative writing, making it a perfect fit for units on gothic and Romantic literature.
Most students have heard of the Headless Horseman, but few have read Irving’s original text closely. In this classic and eerie tale, students explore suspense, ambiguity, and psychological tension while analyzing Irving’s language and narrative style. The story’s blend of humor, mystery, and the supernatural makes it especially engaging for middle school and high school readers.
Students begin with an anticipation guide and activating strategy designed to build background knowledge and spark curiosity before reading. As they work through the story, they complete close reading and literary analysis questions that require careful attention to detail and the use of textual evidence. Vocabulary instruction is supported through graphic organizers and a PowerPoint presentation, helping students navigate Irving’s nineteenth-century language.
After reading, students deepen their understanding through discussion questions and a school comparison Venn diagram that encourages analytical thinking and comparison. The lesson culminates in a creative writing project, where students write their own original legend, applying elements of gothic storytelling. A clear rubric is included to support narrative writing and assessment.
This resource includes the full text of the story, complete answer keys, and editable documents, allowing teachers to adapt the lesson to meet classroom needs. Ideal for Halloween lessons, short story units, or studies of Romanticism and gothic fiction, this activity helps students build both analytical and creative writing skills while engaging with a timeless literary classic.
