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6th, 7th, 8th Grades  Project 4 weeks

Mystery Paws & Clues: Guided Reading Adventure!

Beth D
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.10
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in an immersive exploration of problem-solving, friendship, and loyalty through the lens of 'Dog Gone Mystery.' By connecting literary themes to real-world applications, students will develop critical thinking and self-directed learning skills. The project encourages students to reflect on personal experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of their identities and roles within their communities. Through interactive activities and community partnerships, students will actively apply investigative techniques and thematic insights, culminating in a creative showcase of their learning journey.

Learning goals

Students will develop critical reading skills by analyzing the plot and character development in 'Dog Gone Mystery,' enhancing their ability to make inferences and identify themes. They will apply real-world problem-solving strategies through interactive activities, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking. By reflecting on themes of friendship and loyalty, students will strengthen their academic mindset and connect personal experiences to literary themes. Additionally, students will enhance their communication skills by creating digital journals and participating in peer reviews, culminating in a public exhibition of their creative projects.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.3 - Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.10 - By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a digital escape room inspired by 'Dog Gone Mystery,' integrating problem-solving clues and narrative elements from the book. Additionally, they will craft interactive story maps that trace the characters' journeys and decisions, highlighting the themes of friendship and loyalty. These products will be showcased in the Literary Journey Gallery, offering peers and community members an engaging experience of the story's problem-solving and thematic depth.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a dynamic 'Detective Workshop' where students are introduced to basic investigative techniques by a local detective. Following this, engage them in a thrilling scavenger hunt designed to mirror the mystery elements of 'Dog Gone Mystery,' allowing students to immediately apply their newfound skills. Complement this with a 'Friendship and Loyalty Forum,' where students share personal stories and participate in interactive storytelling and role-playing activities, setting the stage for exploring the book's themes in depth.

Exhibition

Arrange a 'Literary Journey Gallery' where students exhibit their digital journals and visual projects in a gallery-style setting. Invite peers, teachers, and community members to explore and engage with the creative expressions of problem-solving and loyalty. Feature interactive elements such as the digital escape room and story maps, allowing visitors to experience the narrative and themes of 'Dog Gone Mystery' firsthand.