As we have settled into our classes this semester, each of our Lit-based classes are studying age appropriate mysteries. For the youngest kiddos, we lean on the innocent mysteries of lost or missing items. One of our classes is searching for answers to the characters’ plentiful questions about a mysterious room. Some older students are studying more nefarious plots, missing persons, or even murder. However, at the core of each and every mystery, the plot centers around the need to seek and find the truth. We long to answer the questions, “What really happened, and why?” In addition to this fun critical thinking learning opportunity, mysteries also rely on some common vocabulary terms that we as adults may take for granted: crime, suspect,
alibi, victim, clues, evidence, motive, and so on. This month’s idea is to help foster curiosity in our students, while helping them understand the process of using inference and clues to figure out the truth. An educated guess goes a long way in all fields of study, especially seeking the truth. Let’s look at some options to make the most of this genre of writing , and encourage the whole family to have fun with it!
Here are some ideas for you to expand on the mystery theme this month in your homes:
Mystery Dinner- what’s on the menu? Close kitchen access, and leave a few clues as to the menu. Children can even participate in the meal making process; they may chop vegetables, but not realize they will go into the marinara sauce. Or, children may help prepare a small portion of a dessert, but have few clues about the final product. Mix it up, and have students (and parents) try to figure out the menu for the meal!
Talk about each child’s story. Likely, they are in the very beginning of their novels, but a weekly check-in about the progress of the case might be a fun way to encourage lively discussions and guesses; just don’t allow any students privy to the story’s ending to spoil it for the reader. Repeat after me- NO SPOILERS!
Fingerprinting Activity- Supplies needed: Plain white paper, lead or graphite pencil, transparent tape, a magnifying glass (optional)
On the paper, use the pencil to scribble a thick layer of pencil mark (make it nice and dark).
Rub fingertips over the pencil mark vigorously, picking up enough graphite to coat the fingertip.
Place a piece of clear sticky tape solidly across the finger tip.
Lift the tape straight up and off the finger, making sure to not touch on the prints.
Stick the tape to the white paper.
Use a magnifying glass to closely examine the prints!
Mystery Box- place an item in a box, and allow students to
try to guess at the item based on the size, weight, and sound.
I Spy Observation Game- On a tray, arrange multiple small items, like toys, erasers, lip balm, hair accessories, sunglasses, school supplies, and so on. Set a timer for students to observe the items without touching or moving any. Then remove one item, and ask the students to decide what item has been taken. For older students, they may have to guess more than one missing item, or they can have one minute to write down all of the items they remember seeing on the tray after it is covered or removed.
These ideas are only a few possibilities, and many parents and students have fantastic ideas of their own! The encouragement is to make the most of the mystery genre in literature. As we mentioned in last month’s newsletter, this reading and writing genre is often identified as the first love for many. We encourage families to develop this love and make the most of reading with at least a couple of these activities this month!
Written by: Julie Snyder