A monster under the bed is a familiar story idea. But what if he isn’t there to frighten anyone?
What if he has a clipboard—and wants rent paid in cookies?
That unexpected detail gives children something to wonder about. Who is this monster? Why does he need cookies? What will the child say next?
For parents, homeschool families, and teachers looking for fresh reading activities, a funny short story can be a useful starting point. It offers something to talk about, a few clues to investigate, and room for children to add their own ideas.
Here are six ways to turn one short story into an enjoyable reading session.
1. Start with a question worth answering
Before reading, look at the title and illustration together. Invite a prediction with a question such as:
- What would you do if your reflection asked for a day off?
- How could an invisible child give himself away?
- What might make a ghost sneeze?
Let children explain their guesses without correcting them. The aim is to give them something to look for as they read.
Afterward, return to the prediction: “Which part did you guess? What surprised you?”
2. Let the funny moments become part of the reading
An unusual voice, an awkward conversation, or a surprising final line can give children a reason to reread.
Try taking turns reading the dialogue. One person can be the narrator while another plays the mysterious visitor. A ghost might attempt a dramatic entrance, only to interrupt himself with an enormous sneeze.
Keep participation flexible. A child who prefers listening can follow along, choose a favorite line, or describe how a character might sound.
There is no need to turn the session into a performance. Sometimes sharing a laugh over one sentence is enough.
3. Ask fewer questions—and explore the answers
You don’t need to stop after every paragraph. Let the story unfold, then choose a few questions that invite children to think:
- What did the character want?
- Which detail helped you understand the problem?
- What changed between the beginning and the ending?
- Why was the ending funny?
When a child offers an idea, follow it with: “What in the story makes you think that?”
This creates an opportunity to return to the text and find a specific detail. If the answer is uncertain, look together. Keep the conversation curious and give children time to explain.
4. Retell the story in three moments
After reading, ask children to choose three important events: the beginning, the middle, and the ending.
They can describe them aloud, sketch three small pictures, or write one sentence for each.
For a playful variation, mix up the events deliberately:
“First, the mystery was solved. Then someone heard a strange noise. Finally, they went to investigate.”
Can the child put them back in order and explain why?
This gives sequencing a clear purpose: making the story make sense.
5. Use coloring as a conversation starter
A matching coloring page can provide a quiet activity after reading. It can also open another way into the story.
While children color, you might ask:
“What do you think happened just before this scene?”
“Which detail would you add to show how the character feels?”
“What would you draw if there were one more page?”
Keep these invitations optional. Children can enjoy coloring without answering more questions, and their picture does not need to match someone else’s version.
6. Leave room for one original idea
Finish with a small creative prompt connected to the adventure:
- Write a reply to the monster’s rent request.
- Invent a different job for the talking doll.
- Create a sign for a very unusual visitor.
- Add one more line of dialogue.
A response can be a sentence, a drawing, or an idea shared aloud. Choose a format that suits the child and the time available.
The most interesting answer may be one you never expected.
Putting the ideas together
For your next reading session, try this simple sequence:
Before reading: Look at the title and make a prediction.
During reading: Follow the adventure and enjoy the dialogue.
After reading: Discuss a few details, retell the main events, and choose a creative activity.
You can spread these steps across more than one session. At home, read together one afternoon and save the coloring for another day. In the classroom, use the story for a small group and offer the follow-up activity later.
Choose a text that suits the child’s English reading level, and offer shared reading when helpful. Age guidance is a starting point; previewing the actual pages will help you decide.
A ready-to-print option for your next reading session
If you would like to try this approach with prepared materials, our Spooky Stories, Silly Endings collection brings reading, activities, and coloring together.
Created for ages 8–12, it includes 20 funny, gently spooky adventures—from a monster demanding rent to a ghost who cannot stop sneezing. Each story has a three-page set: the illustrated story, a page of activities, and a matching coloring page.
The collection contains 60 student pages plus a separate 20-page answer key. Complete books in A4 and A5, and individual story PDFs let you choose an adventure to suit your plans.
You can start with the free complete sample story available on the product page to see whether the reading level and activity style suit your child or students.
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