The Playroom Predicament - Can You Solve the Cooperative Mystery?

Students will become investigators of toy suspects belonging to a little girl named Amy, age 6. The toys have always been carefree and happy, until now. Something terrible has happened! Sometime during the night, Theodore Rosy-Felt, the stuffed bear has disappeared. He isn't in the toy chest, he isn't on the bed, and he isn't on the shelf or behind the door. Something must have happened to him, and everyone suspects that there is foul play involved. Amy went downstairs to watch cartoons without noticing that Theodore was gone, but when she comes back up she's sure to realize he's missing, and she's going to be heartbroken. The investigators need to find out what happened to Theodore before Amy gets back!
Students will play the role of investigators and observers, who will have the opportunity to read/listen to the proceedings, ask questions and help to solve the mystery. Students will analyze texts, make predictions, compare characters, and use other comprehension strategies to solve the mystery.  For any students who struggle with reading or find the text too difficult there is an option to hear audio of any written text as needed. The class will be broken down into three rounds where we analyze the suspects and listen to clues.
• Round One will start with the teacher explaining the nature of the mystery that is afoot. Following the introduction, students will read/listen to specific pieces of information from each of the adorable dog suspects. Each student will be able to do this at their own pace with an individual virtual self-paced script for each round. Suspects will respond- refuting accusations, making clarifications, and adding new information. Students will be able to ask their own investigative questions, and pose possible solutions.
• Rounds Two & Three begin with the teacher sharing a clue that should shed further light on the mystery. They then follow the same steps as Round One.
After the final round has ended, each student will say the name of the suspect who they think is responsible. The teacher will then read the solution aloud, revealing the culprit, who will then read a confession. What do you say? Are you ready to think like a detective?  Come to class and join Mrs. Mystery in the fun and exciting adventure you super sleuth, you!

This game is brought to you in cooperation (using a commercial license) with  www.PlayingWithMurder.com