Mystery novels help to improve comprehension and critical thinking skills.  They help readers to think differently and to pay attention to details they may not normally notice.  In this class, learners will explore the mystery genre in an interactive and engaging environment.  The teacher will read aloud “The Great Mouse Detective- Basil of Baker Street” by Eve Titus.  Basil is a famous mouse sleuth who lives in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes’ house on Baker Street.  Basil admires and learns from his idol by listening at his feet and solving his own mysteries.  Through discussions and activities, learners will analyze characters, use clues to make predictions, apply deductive reasoning,  organize facts, and increase critical thinking skills.  In addition to reading the novel and engaging in group discussions, students will discover the skills needed to be a great detective, understand the elements  of mystery writing,  and learn detective terms like crime, clues, suspects, and red herring.  They will participate in fun detective activities such as: becoming observant, cracking secret codes, making and using invisible ink, fingerprinting, deducing, and creating their own Paper Bag Mystery.
Reading schedule:
Class 1 Chapters 1 & 2
Class 2 Chapters 3 & 4
Class 3 Chapters 5 & 6
Class 4 Chapters 7 & 8
Class 5 Chapters 9 & 10
Class 6 Chapters 11 & 12
Class 7 Chapters 13 & 14
Class 8 Chapter 15