Look for the '5 W's Structure' Mark for the Easier Math Mystery Formats.

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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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE FROM TPT

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.