Reading Mystery FLASH FREEBIE!

Since late 2017, I've been creating a new set of mystery teaching resources to target reading comprehension and finding text evidence.  I've been meaning to give away a free Reading Mystery of the Once Upon a Crime Series TM,  to give teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and tutors a chance to try out one of these resources with their kids. So, finally, here's a chance to grab Once Upon a Crime, Twinkle's Lost Shine FREE for a limited time! Read on for notes, tips, and a word of caution for when using this mystery resource!

Firstly, if this is your first time checking out a Once Upon a Crime Reading Mystery, welcome to Tale Town! This is the setting in which I create the mystery stories that are made up of fractured fairy tale characters and themes. 

So, before downloading your free reading mystery, here are a few important notes to keep in mind:

• WARNING - The reading mystery worksheets may look simple or easy at first glance . . . but it's not as easy as you think! Sure, for an adult, a Reading Mystery would be easy, but for your students, it will force them to read the passages carefully and, I always instruct them to prove where their answers are in the text. If using the original format, that involves code cracking, spelling the words correctly is vital to revealing the clue properly too!
• TIP 1 - If this is your first time using a reading mystery with your students, I recommend completing the first two clues as a class. Model  and guide students through the process.  However, once your kids get the hang of it, you will be able to print any one of these packets and they will be able to do it with little instruction.
• TIP 2 - Not a fan of the crack the code worksheets? That's fine, I understand that one size does not fit all. That's why I also developed alternate options for you within the same packet. In your alternate options folder, there is another copy of the Reading Mystery marked with 'B-Edition.' The story is the same, but this requires full answers and no code cracking. Instead, you can set this up similar to an escape room and be more in control of how to deliver the clues to your students. Optional word banks are provided too if you need to make any of the vocabulary worksheet pages easier.
• TIP 3 - Before reading, use the video hook provided to gain student engagement. After viewing the video, invite students to make predictions about what the mystery will be about before reading the paper part of the activity.
• TIP 4 - If you think your students need more space to write, instruct them to write their answers on a separate piece of paper. Give them a magnifying glass to figure out the matching numbers to letters if doing the crack the fun fact. 
• WARNING & TIP #5 - Comprehending the clues and deductive reasoning is required! This, sometimes, can be tricky! If students struggle, I recommend stopping as a class and discussing what the clue is suggesting to cross off the list. 

Anyway, if you are keen to try one of these mysteries, Twinkle's Lost Shine is available in my shop FREE (limited time only)! Give it a try, see how it goes with your kids. I'd love to hear your feedback and experience when using this resource. Thanks for checking it out! :) 

Reading Mystery - Once Upon a Crime, Twinkle's Lost Shine!

$4.50

Reading Mystery Activity - Once Upon A Crime, Twinkle's Lost Shine!

Your students will have fun solving this mystery while learning skills in reading, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, definitions, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning!

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

NEW - Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Doc link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive. Parts of the pages are editable so that your students can complete without having to print the pages. Please note, you will need to make a copy of the Google Slides to your drive before you can edit.

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