Mystery Writing Lesson Plans

Free lesson plan for 4th grade and up

1. Objective
   Given a mystery photo, students will follow the mystery writing format to develop their own original mysteries.
2. Purposes
   Academic: Creative Writing
   Social: Peer Work Evaluation
3. Materials needed
   Printouts of MysteryNet.com mysteries Mysterious Photo Contest, paper, pencils or computer with word processor, Story Web Worksheets (one for each student).

Class Instruction

1. Review writing techniques with students.
2. Review Story Web Worksheet for outline.
3. Using the photo from the MysteryNet Flash Mystery and the Story Web Worksheet, begin brainstorming possible events, characters and setting for the students' original mysteries.
4. Students will write, edit, rewrite.
5. Exchange stories with friends. Ask each other for constructive criticism.
6. Rewrite after peer collaborations.
7. Present to class.

Teacher Evaluation

• Were students able to follow the principles of writing a mystery?
• Were students able to analyze the mysteries?
• Were students able to effectively collaborate with each other?