A few of the mysteries in my Math Mystery range are structured differently by following a 5 W's Case File Format. These are particularly useful for younger students or special needs. In this post:

• I will be showing you the new little 'logo' marked on these packets so that you can easily identify that a particular math mystery packet follows this 5w's structure.
• A quick guide on grade levels and suitability.
• I will also outline how these math mysteries work and differ to the other math mysteries in my range..
• Plus, I will show you where you can download one for free to check out and try.

NEW 5 W's  LOGO LABEL ON COVERS
To enable you to quickly identify if a math mystery follows this 5 W's structure, I've added a new little logo somewhere on the covers. If this is the type of math mystery structure you would prefer to use with your kids, keep an eye out for this little image below:

GRADE LEVEL GUIDES

The grade levels are marked for recommended age ranges because of the math involved within the mystery packet. Unlike the regular math mystery range, because these tend to focus on early learning skills, they can be used across K-2 depending where your students are at. For example, in the Case of the Great Zoo Escape, the packet focuses on addition and subtraction within 20. This is a skill that would be useful for both first and second graders to practice and build fluency. The packets marked for Kindergarten, contain basic numeracy skills, and would be great for the early part of first grade too. Even with the grade guides, I still recommend checking the math skills required in the product description to determine suitability for your students since no class is the same. 

For some younger students, the elimination process in my regular math mystery range is a little bit too much. This is where these packets come in handy; if you still want the fun element of a mystery, but in a less stressful format for your little detectives. 

Instead of the usual list of suspects/locations/scenarios, in the 5 W's series, that page is replaced with a case file with five questions to be answered - Who, Where, When, What, and Why?  (see image below). 

Each clue requires some math work and some ELA work to solve which of the options at the bottom need to be cut/pasted to the Case File. 
​Below is an example from the Case of The Super Bad Superhero:

As you can see in the clue example page above, there are five options at the bottom of the page. Students must complete the math activity to figure out what is the super power of the super bad superhero. Once solved, the student must cut out the super power and paste it onto their Case file page in the 'What - Clue 2' box.

Reading and explaining the instructions at the top is recommended for the early years, especially if using with Kindergarten.
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Tip: Guide them through each clue to keep the whole class at the same pace. 

CHECK OUT A FULL MATH MYSTERY IN THIS 5 W's FORMAT FREE!

I like to offer samples of my work to help you know whether it is something that you are interested in, or if it works for your class.
CLICK HERE to find where to download the 'Case of the Super Bad Superhero' for Kindergarten, using this 5 W's format. 
If you've found the other math mystery structures too difficult for your students, then you may prefer this alternative. 
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Your feedback on this structure would be most appreciated. I will be making more using this 5 W structure for the early years too. If you prefer this format, keep an eye out for the little logo on the cover to know that it follows that format. 

If you use Math Mysteries, however hate the amount of paper that is required with all of the photocopying, you may like to try this reusable idea to save paper in the long run.

A bit more prep is required at the start, but then a simple wipe and store away is required for the next time you want to use the case. 

Items needed:
- Copies of the mystery pages (story, suspect list, clue pages, and the optional declaration page). Decide how many copies of a single case you would need at a time. 
- Laminating pouches + a Laminator
- Manila 'Case File' Folders. One folder for each mystery set. 

Steps:

• Laminate all of the printed pages.
• Then store each laminated 'mystery set' into a folder file. 
• I like to print the cover page in color to stick onto the front of the folder . This step is optional. To save ink and paper, you could just label the case title on the tab.

Now your case files are ready for use!

Complete the mystery using a washable marker as in the image examples below:

Once the mystery is solved, grab a damp cloth or a bit of water on some paper towel/tissues to wipe all of the pages clean.

Let the pages dry and put back into the folder. The mystery is ready to be used again. 

While the initial prep for this requires a little bit more effort, the extra step is worth it if you are trying to save on ink and paper in the long run. 

In the sample images, I used the Math Mystery 'Case of the Super Bad Superhero.' Download this fun Math Mystery resource for FREE HERE! 

With Easter nearby, I thought it would be fun to do a little number mystery with a simple egg twist! Use this idea as a:

• Math center
  
• Put on display for your students to work on when they have some spare time throughout the week,  
• Do as a math warm-up with the whole class.

The prep is easy, and I have already put together some clues sets for you to use if you wish. Continue reading to find the free download for this activity. 

• Gather twelve plastic eggs that can be opened and filled.
• Fill one with some candy or maybe a real chocolate egg. I recommend something like M&M’s for easy sharing amongst a group minus a sugar overload. (Answer key pg
• Fill the other plastic eggs up with rocks or something that would sound similar if picked up. This is to prevent students from trying to move the eggs to see if it has something inside.
• Mark the numbers on each egg as in the worksheet templates per set. Ensure that the ‘mystery egg number’ answer is filled with the prize of your choice.
• Instead of rewards or rocks, a simple piece of paper marked with ‘no’ for eleven of them and a ‘yes, well done!’ for the correct mystery egg.
• I used a bit of tape at the bottom of each egg to stand them up and keep them in place. I recommend doing this to stop the eggs from rolling away, and it also discourages tempted hands to pick up the eggs and shake.
• The difficulty for each set in this download varies due to different abilities and needs. Please check the number skills involved with the clue sets to determine suitability.

The AIM is for students to use the clues given to solve which egg is the Mystery Egg! The clues will require them to use their number skills to eliminate possible eggs until there is only one egg left standing. The last egg remaining is the ‘Mystery Egg!’ 

They will only get one crack at picking the right egg. So they must read the clues carefully and be confident about their answer before opening an egg or telling you which egg they think is the right one. 

CLICK HERE to download this freebie from my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. 

• Use the Easter Math Mystery as a fun way to do some spiral review.
• Use the Easter Math Quest for a fun enrichment activity and extra math practice. 
• Use the Easter Math Project to challenge your students with applying a variety of math skills as they create their own Easter Factory. 

All of these activities are print and go! No prep is required by you (except photocopying!) 

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