Micro Lesson Video
Lesson Plan
Level: Intermediate
Business/Materials
- Video 1: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Read-Along
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9UgKZx0llk - Video 2: Audio version of Sleepy Hollow (starts at 1:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCrxAGkNxU - Whiteboard
- Google Maps
- “Chain of Events” worksheet for video #2
Lesson Objectives
- Students will understand a story about folklore through listening
- Students will understand the story of the Headless Horseman
- Students will discuss Halloween and scary story traditions
- Students will prepare and share a personal or cultural ghost story
Warm-Up and Objective Discussion (10 mins)
Show pictures of classic Halloween figures:
- Ghost
- Zombie
- Jack-o’-lantern
- Frankenstein
- Dracula
Ask students to describe what these monsters look like, where they live, and what makes them scary. Discuss differences and similarities. Mention that some monsters are from specific places—e.g., Dracula from Romania, ghosts in graveyards or abandoned houses.
Open Google Maps and show places connected to ghost stories. Example: Boston’s Granary Burial Ground is said to be haunted by Paul Revere. Ask students if they know any ghost stories from their hometown.
Transition:
Introduce today’s focus: the Headless Horseman, a ghost on horseback. Explain that Halloween is coming up, making it a great time to learn and share spooky stories from different cultures.
Instruct and Model (15 mins)
Introduce The Headless Horseman and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Go over key vocabulary and names:
- Ichabod Crane
- Brom Bones
- Sleepy Hollow (New York)
- Revolutionary War
- Washington Irving (the author)
Use Google Maps to locate Sleepy Hollow. Show a picture of Washington Irving and give a short summary of the story.
Explain that there are many versions of the story, including movies, but one of the most famous is the old Disney cartoon.
Play this short read-along video version (6 min):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9UgKZx0llk
Guided Practice (20 mins)
Ask comprehension questions about the Disney version. Then explain that students will listen to another version—without visuals or text—and use a worksheet to track what happens.
Distribute the Chain of Events worksheet.
Play this audio retelling (start at 1:00, run time approx. 13 minutes):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCrxAGkNxU
After listening, go over the correct sequence of events together using the whiteboard or projector.
Independent Practice (10 mins)
In pairs, students think of a ghost story they know—either from personal experience, family, or culture.
Each pair prepares a short (2–3 minute) presentation to share with the class.
Assessment
Observe how students work together during preparation.
Students give their presentations aloud to the class. Evaluate participation, clarity, and creativity.