Introducing the New Differentiated Options for the Once Upon a Crime Reading Mysteries

The original Once Upon a Crime Reading Mystery Series follow a 'crack the code' format to reveal the clue. This has worked well for many students in many different classrooms. However, since no student or class is the same, recently I decided to develop a new structure that will give teachers the option to change the way these reading mysteries are delivered to best suit their students.  In this post, I will explain this new
​'B-Edition' structure and the new addition of word banks added to the original Once Upon a Crime Reading Packets.  

In an original Once Upon a Crime Reading Mystery, the paper part structure follows these steps:
1. Read the passages
2. Answer the questions or solve the vocabulary puzzles by filling in the missing letters. (See sample image below). The missing letters match up with numbers in the boxes that will help crack a clue code. 
3. Students must highlight the evidence in the text to show where they found their answers (see sample image below from the Haunting Hat). 

This original format works well to help students develop spelling and comprehension skills. It also encourages students to find evidence in the text. Your students also receive instant feedback that their answers are correct since the clue message won't make sense if there are incorrect answers.  

However, if you want the reading mystery questions and puzzles to require FULL answers instead of filling in the blanks. The NEW B-Edition alternate option may work better for you. This new structure is included with all of the original packets to buy in one purchase. 

What is the New
​B-eDition Reading Mystery Structure?

When downloading a Once Upon a Crime Reading Mystery, you will receive the original mystery format (as outlined above), the MP4 file to use to present the video hook, a 'Read Me' instructions word document, PLUS an 'Alternate Options' folder. In your 'Alternate Options' folder, there is the
B-Edition version plus optional word banks to use for differentiation. See example below of what you would see after downloading
Humpty's Fall and where to find this new B-Edition upgrade.

In the B-Edition copy, there is extra page in the PDF file with the clues (see sample image below from Eggpocalypse). 

​With these clue cards, you can choose to either:

• Keep them handy and hidden at your desk
• Print, laminate, cut and place each clue card in individual envelopes.  Hide these envelopes around the classroom (label each envelop 'clue 1' 'clue 2' etc.)
• Lock each clue card in a box. Each box must have the label 'clue 1', 'clue 2'. You must keep the form of access and only give to students as they complete each clue page. 

(I've covered the clue answers for the purpose of this sample image only.)

The story component and questions in the B-Edition are the same as the original. However, the second half of the page is set up different. Check out the difference between the sample pages below from the reading mystery 'Which Witch?'

Original Sample

B-Edition Sample

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In the B-Edition sample, because there are no missing letters to fill to help crack the code, students will need to 'Check-In' either with the teacher or someone to collect the clue upon completion. When a student shows you their completed work, if satisfied, you can either:

• tell them/ or show them the clue card to write down on their page; OR
• Tell them where to collect the 'CLUE #' envelope; OR
• Give them access to where you have hidden the clue (e.g. key or combination code). 

Alternatively, if you wish an easier way, you can keep all the clues a secret until all five worksheets are completed. Then send students on a hunt around the room to find the clues, OR give them the clues in your own special way. 

Once your students have all of the clues, they must use critical thinking and deductive reasoning to narrow down a list of possible suspects. If done correctly, only one character should remain . . . and that is the culprit! This part works the same in both the original and B-Edition Once Upon a Crime Reading Mysteries.

Award your students at the end with a certificate that tells how the story ends after the discovery!

Word Bank Add-On Options

An optional Word Banks page is also included in this 'Alternate Folder.' The word banks are useful if you need to make the word puzzle clues easier for your students. Instead of students having to search through the passage above for the matching words to the puzzle, they can work from the word banks instead.
​See sample below from Forest Grime.

If you have any questions about this new edition, or the Once Upon a Crime Reading Mysteries, please contact me via email on  [email protected]

Be sure to check out the Reading Mystery Bundle for the Once Upon a Crime Series and collect them all for a discounted price!

Click here to learn more