Mystery Unit Plan

Copyright © 2015 Darlene Colón Vázquez, MA
UNIT PLAN
Unit: Mystery From: ________________to __________________
Theme of Unit: Become a Detective. Duration: 5 weeks Grade: 8th grade
Prof. Darlene Colón Vázquez
Unit
Goal
At the end of the unit the student will acquire knowledge to predict, make connections, find clues, analyze, and argue different points of view. The
focus for this unit is to have student develop communicative skills, reading comprehension skills, writing skills including grammar mechanics,
such as, verbs and adjectives; throughout cooperative learning activities during reading to enhance understanding on writing and communicative
skills.
STAGE Activities for the Achievement of performance tasks (Macro) Performance tasks or other evidence
Before
Learn about the genre of mystery and its literary characteristics. Write to make opinions about
this topic's likes and dislikes.
Predict about the mysteries and connections of different short mystery stories and the novel to
be read.
Express opinion in reference of the genre of mystery.
Write a brief personal opinion: Do you like
mysteries? Why or why not?
Graphic organizer: Describe the characteristics of
a mystery novel.
Write to predict: What do you think is the
connection between the murder and the money?
During
Work with read aloud, silence reading, guided reading, and peer group reading.
Use taking note strategies to keep track of the events of the story as it unfolds.
Through peer work and cooperative learning; will use questions to check for comprehension.
Use context clue strategies throughout in and out class activities to determine word meaning.
Part of speech activities to enhance vocabulary when comprehending and writing.
Keep a reading log: answer questions for each
chapter to keep up with the events, twist and
turns of the story.
Short quizzes: For each four to five chapters
there will be a short quiz to check for
comprehension.
Graphic organizers: Use to practice part of
speech.
After
Use organization skills to establish, argue, and connect ideas.
Use the writing process when writing a report.
Scavenger hunt
Debate arguing points of view with the two main
characters of the novel.
Written book report
Work in teams to uncover clues to find items
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Weekly Teacher’s Guide
Week 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Standards (PRCS)
8.L.1.A
8.S.1
8.L.1.B/8.L.1.C
8.S.2/8.R.10
8.L.1.D/8.S.2/8.R.2.L
8.LA.1/8.LA.4.A
8.L.1.C
8.S.2/8.W.8
8.L.1.C/8.L.1.B
8.S.2/8.W.8/8.LA.6
Specific Objective
Through the use of a
presentation the student
will establish the elements
of mystery to be studied in
this unit.
After reading the short
story the student will recall
the main events.
By the end of the class the
student will apply
strategies to complete an
activity about
comprehending the story
read.
Through the use of note
taking strategies the
student will keep up track
of the elements of the
story.
Through the use of note
taking strategies the
student will keep up track
of the elements of the story
to orally explain it to
others.
Depth of Knowledge
Recall Recall
Skill Concept
Recall
Skill Concept
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Learning Activities
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Developmental Activities:
Oral presentation of the
new theme by the teacher.
Closing Activities:
Summary of the class
Homework explanation
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Brief questioning about the
day before class.
Guided reading
Questioning about the short
mystery story.
Closing Activities:
Discussion of a reading
Work in the notebook
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Summary and review of
the short mystery story
read the day before.
Cloze activity using the
short mystery story.
Use context clue strategy
to define words.
Using future tense verbs
(present tense paragraph to
change it to future tense)
Closing Activities
Discuss the cloze activity.
Students will read their
paragraphs aloud.
Clarify doubts.
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Review of future tense
verbs and mystery
elements in a story.
Present guided questions to
note taking strategy.
Begin watching the movie
"Clue"
Closing Activities:
Summary of the class.
Homework explanation.
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Brief questioning about the
movie.
conclude watching the
movie "Clue".
Open conversation about
the elements of mystery
using guided questioning.
Closing Activities:
Summary of the class.
Open discussion about the
movie using the guided
questions. (group activity)
Academic Strategy
Think aloud
Language experience
Read Aloud
Guide Reading
Think aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Language Experience Think Aloud
Language Experience

Concepts and Skills
Explanation
Communication
Sentence structure
Writing (inference, explanation)
Connect to Literature,
Integration of other subjects,
Transversal Themes
Moral and civic education
Materials and resources
In-focus
Computer
Prezi presentation
Board
Marker
Notebooks
Pencil / Pen
Board
Hand out (short mystery
story)
Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Board
Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand out (cloze activity
and paragraph)
Movie "Clue"
Notebook
Board
Markers
Pencil/pen
Television with DVD
Movie "Clue"
Notebook
Board
Markers
Pencil/pen
Television with DVD
Homework
Practice: Answer question
In your own words; Name
the mystery elements and
explain each one. (to talk in
class)
None Practice: Use context clues
to find word meaning.
Elaboration: Students must
review their notes and
guided questions and come
prepare for an in class
discussion about the movie.
None
Reflection of Praxis
Assessment
( ) Diagnostic Test ( ) Quiz ( ) Brain Storming ( ) Essays
( ) Focalized list ( ) Interview ( ) Concept Maps ( ) Test
( ) Concrete Poem ( ) Project ( ) Comic Strip (X) Reflection
(X) Open Question ( ) Drawing ( ) Dramatization ( ) Check List
(X) Group Work (X) Fill in the blank ( ) Graphic Organizer (X) Socialized Conversation
( ) Oral Report ( ) Rubric ( ) Others: ________________
( ) Fragmented tests/ work
(X) Additional time
( ) Supplementary service
( ) Other__________________
(X) Seating Arrangement
( ) Adapted teaching
( ) Peer tutor
(X) Individualized Help
Reasonable Accommodations Strategies

Standards (PRCS)
8.L.1.B/8.S.1
/8.S.2/8.R.2.L/8.LA.1
8.L.1.A/8.S.1/8.R.2.L/
8.R.4.L/8.R.10/8.LA.4.A
8.L.1.A/8.S.1
/8.W.3/8.W.4/8.LA.3
8.L.1.C/8.S.5.B
8.W.3./8.W.4/8/.LA.6
8.L.1.C/8.S.5.B
8.W.3/8.W.4/8.LA.6
Specific Objective
By the end of the class
the student will use the
elements of mystery in a
reading exercise.
At the end of the class
the student will be able
to solve a mystery using
clues in reading.
The student will begin to
create an original short
mystery story using the
writing process.
The student will
continue to work on
developing the short
mystery story using the
writing process.
The student will read
aloud using appropriate
language skills his or her
short mystery story.
Depth of Knowledge
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Learning Activities
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Summary and review
elements of mystery genre
&verb tense (past & future)
Small group reading.
Short mystery story
(character motives)
Closing Activities:
Discussion of the reading
Homework Explanation
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Correct homework &
discussion
Brief presentation and open
discussion about verbs,
adjectives, and prefixes.
Read another mystery story
(individual task) then
answer questions and use
context clues to find word
meaning.
Closing Activities:
Open discussion about the
exercise
Clarify doubts
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection
Take Attendance
Individual exercises
Writing activity (write a
short story of the mystery
genre)
Focus on motives and clues
in past and future tense.
Closing Activities:
Discussion of exercises
Clarify doubts
*continue next class*
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Continue with individual
exercise of writing a short
story of mystery.
Closing Activities:
Students will begin to
present their short stories.
*continue next class*
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take Attendance.
Continue with the reading
aloud of the stories each
student created.
Closing Activities:
Summary of the week
Clarify doubts
Explain tasks for the week
(reading a mystery novel)
*all stories will be pasted
on the reading wall*

Academic Strategy
Think Aloud
Shared Reading
Language Experience
Reciprocal Teaching
Think Aloud
Shared Reading
Language Experience
Reciprocal Teaching
Think Aloud
Shared Reading
Language Experience
Reciprocal Teaching
Read aloud
Shared Reading
Language Experience
Read aloud
Shared Reading
Language Experience
Concepts and Skills
Explanation
Communication
Sentence structure
Connect to Literature,
Integration of other subjects,
Transversal Themes
Materials and resources
Short story hand out
Board
Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Short story hand out
Board
Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
In-focus with computer
Graphic organizer
Board
Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Rubric for short story
Graphic organizer
Board
Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Board
Markers
Homework
Practice exercise: Write a
summary of the story read
in class using the past tense
verbs.
NONE Continue working on
writing the short mystery
story to be presented in
class.
If not finish: continue
working on writing the
short mystery story to be
presented in class.
NONE
Reflection of Praxis
(X) Fragmented tests/ work
(X) Additional time
( ) Other__________________
(X) Peer tutor
Assessment
( ) Concrete Poem ( ) Project ( ) Comic Strip ( ) Reflected Diary
(X) Group Work ( ) Fill in the blank (X) Graphic Organizer (X) Socialized Conversation
( ) Oral Report (X) Rubric ( ) Others: _______________________

Standards (PRCS)
8.L.1.A/8.S.2/8.S.5.A
8.R.1.L/8.W.1
8.L.1.C/8.S.1/8.S.5.A
8.R.2.L/8.W.8
8.L.1.C/8.S.4
8.R.2.L/8.W.8/8.LA.4.A
8.L.1.D/8.S.4
8.R.6.L/8.W.8/8.L.A.4.A
8.L.1.C/8.S.4/8.S.5
8.R.10/8.W.4/8.LA.6
Specific Objective
student will use predict
skills to guess about the
novel that will be read.
student will apply concepts
learned to answer questions
about the novel.
student will draw a map to
visualize the setting of the
novel.
student will apply concepts
learned to answer questions
about the novel.
student will write a
narrative essay about the
first 8 chapters of the
novel.
Depth of Knowledge
Skill Concepts Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Skill Concept
Strategic Thinking
Learning Activities
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection
Take attendance
Review of literary elements
Prezi presentation
Open discussion on
author's biography
Pre-reading (Novel's
preview)
Activity: write a reaction
about the preview
Closing Activities:
Instruction for the next day
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Review previous class
Guided reading: as a whole
group will read chapters 1
through 4.
For each chapters students
will answer comprehension
questions.
Context clues, verbs, and
adjectives
Closing Activities:
Open discussion: verify
students' notes about the
discussed chapters.
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
Guided reading: in small
groups will read chapters 1
through 4.
questions.
Context clues, verbs, and
adjectives
Closing Activities:
discussed chapters.
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
through 8.
questions.
Context clues and verbs
Closing Activities:
discussed chapters.
Initial Activities:
Daily reflection.
Take attendance.
through 8.
Writing mini-workshop:
Students will write a
narrative essay about the
first 8 chapter of the novel.
Closing Activities:
Open discussion to
summary the 8 chapters
read.

Academic
Strategy
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Guide Reading
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Guide Reading
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Guide Reading
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Guide Reading
Language Experience
Concepts and
Skills
Explanation
Communication
Sentence structure
Connect to
Literature,
Integration of other
subjects,
Transversal Themes
Materials and
resources
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Novel "Closed for the Season
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Homework
NONE Comprehension questioning:
For the student who did not
complete the answering the
questions about each chapter
must complete it at home and
come prepare for discussion.
Take home quiz about
chapters 1-4
Value: 25 points
Comprehension questioning:
chapters 5-8
Value: 25 points
Reflection for
Praxis
(X) Additional time
( ) Other__________________
(X) Peer tutor
Assessment
( ) Diagnostic Test (X) Quiz ( ) Brain Storming (X) Essays
( ) Concrete Poem ( ) Project ( ) Comic Strip ( ) Reflected Daily
(X ) Open Question (X) Drawing ( ) Dramatization ( ) Check List
( X) Group Work ( ) Fill in the blank ( ) Graphic Organizer (X) Socialized Conversation
( ) Oral Report ( ) Rubric (X) Others: Questioning for comprehension

Standards (PRCS)
8.L.1.A/8.S.2/8.S.5.A
8.R.1.L/8.W.1
8.L.1.C/8.S.1/8.S.5.A
8.R.2.L/8.W.8
8.L.1.C/8.S.4
8.R.2.L/8.W.8/8.LA.4.A
8.L.1.D/8.S.4
8.R.6.L/8.W.8/8.L.A.4.A
8.L.1.C/8.S.4/8.S.5
8.R.10/8.W.4/8.LA.6
Specific Objective
student will use analyzing
skills to answer questions
about the chapters read.
Through the class activity
the student will explain the
main events of all chapters
read.
Depth of Knowledge
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Learning Activities
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
through 12.
questions.
Closing Activities:
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
through 12.
questions.
Closing Activities:
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
through 16.
questions.
Closing Activities:
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
through 16.
questions.
Closing Activities:
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
In small groups the
students will conduct a
Q&A activity to
summarize the chapters
read.
Students will write an
essay to summarize the
chapters read.
Closing Activites:
Students will read their
essays to the rest of the
class.

Academic
Strategy
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Concepts and
Skills
Explanation
Communication
Sentence structure
Connect to
Literature,
subjects,
Transversal Themes
Materials and
resources
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Homework
chapters 9-12
Value: 20 points
chapters 13-16
Value: 25 points
Reflection of
Praxis
(X) Additional time
( ) Other__________________
(X) Peer tutor
Reasonable Accommodations StrategiesAssessment
( ) Diagnostic Test (X) Quiz ( ) Brain Storming ( ) Essays
(X) Group Work ( ) Fill in the blank (X) Graphic Organizer (X) Socialized Conversation
( ) Oral Report ( ) Rubric ( ) Others: _______________________

Standards (PRCS)
8.L.1.A/8.S.2/8.S.5.A
8.R.1.L/8.W.1
8.L.1.C/8.S.1/8.S.5.A
8.R.2.L/8.W.8
8.L.1.C/8.S.4
8.R.2.L/
8.L.1.D/8.S.4
8.R.6.L/8.W.8/8.L.A.4.A
8.L.1.A/8.L.1.C.8.L.1.D
8.S.2/8.S.4/8.S.5.A
Specific Objective
The student will use clues
and collaborate to set a
plan to find items around
school.
The student will compose
an essay using guided
questioning.
The student will justify and
argue events and motives
to estate his or her point of
view and reasons.
Depth of Knowledge
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Extended Thinking
Learning Activities
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
through 21.
questions.
Closing Activities:
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
through 21.
questions.
Closing Activities:
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
Students will do a
Scavenger hunt activity
around the school.
Closing Activities:
Final discussion of the
novel.
Clarify doubts in regards of
the debate and written
book report.
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
Open discussion to review
the elements of the novel
read. Q&A game in small
groups.
Students will take the final
exam for the novel.
Value: 40 points
Closing Activities:
Pick up exams
Initial Activities:
Take attendance.
Students will do a debate
about the novel read
following some guided
questions prepared by the
teacher.
Closing Activities:
Pick up the written book
report.
The teacher will express
the final comments on the
novel.

Academic
Strategy
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Read Aloud
Think Aloud
Language Experience
Concepts and
Skills
Explanation
Communication
Sentence structure
Connect to
Literature,
subjects,
Transversal Themes
Materials and
resources
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Board/Markers
Notebook
Pencil/pen
Hand outs
Hand out (Scavenger hunt)
Board/marker
Notebook/pen/pencil
Final exam hand out
Pencil/pen
Question cards
Board/markers
Hand outs (rubrics)
Board/markers
Homework
Final Exam
Value: 40 points
Prepare for debate
Value: 35 points
Hand in Book Report
Value: 48 points
NONE
Reflection of
Praxis
Assessment
( ) Focalized list ( ) Interview ( ) Concept Maps (X) Test
(X ) Open Question ( ) Drawing ( ) Dramatization ( ) Check List
(X) Group Work ( ) Fill in the blank ( ) Graphic Organizer (X) Socialized Conversation
( ) Oral Report (X) Rubric (X) Others: Debate/Written Book Report
(X) Additional time
( ) Other__________________
(X) Peer tutor

Specification Sheet
Evaluations Standards Value MPE % of total Total
Conversation
Cooperative
activities
Debate
Listening 18 13
40% 75
Speaking 57 45
Narrative Essay
Book report
Writing 84 60 35% 84
Quizzes
Final exam
Reading 135 20% 135
Grammar
exercises
Book Report
Narrative Essay
Language
92 65
5% 1008 5
8 5
100% 394

Week 1

Name:_________________________________ Date:___________________
What are your thoughts?
After the discussion about the characteristics of mystery state you opinion about
them; Would you like to read a good mystery novel? Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Unit: Mystery
Name: ________________________________ Date:____________________
Group:_____________________ 8th grade English
The Case of the Snack Shack
Harborville's Beach Snack Shop had been open only an hour when Max stopped in and
noticed a new poster announcing a price increase. "I put the sign up this morning,"
Mr. Levine told him. "Had to raise my prices ten percent because I have so many new
expenses. Like now I need a new window for my back room. Somebody broke it,
trying to get into my store last night."
"Have you called the police?" Max asked.
"No. Nothing was stolen." He led Max to a small storeroom in the back. "I use this
space as an office. Sat here and made my price change poster last night. Soon as I
was done, I left it on that old desk. When I went out, I locked the door to the main
part of my store. So whoever got in was stuck in this little storeroom. Nothing here
to steal."
When Max left he wandered down to the break wall, where Nathan and Trevor were
fishing. "Did you hear that somebody broke a window at the Shack?" he asked.
"Nope," Nathan said. "We've been here since dawn. Haven't talked to anybody."
Trevor gestured to the bucket. "We've caught some big ones." Nathan stood. "But
now I'm starving. I've got a dollar left from my allowance. If Mr. Levine is there
now, I'm going up to the Shack to get a Big Beach Bun."
"Better get another dime from somewhere," Trevor told him. "A dollar's not enough
anymore. As for me, I'm going home to get a couple sandwiches for myself."
"You both stay right here," Max said. "I know which one of you broke that window.
You'd better think of a way to pay for it, because I'm telling Mr. Levine."

Part I: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1) List the characters of the story.
2) Where does the story takes place?
3) How does the story begins?
4) What is the mystery?
5) How is will to help to solved the mystery?
6) What were the steps Max took to solved the mystery?
7) How did Max solved the mystery?
8) Who broke the window?
Part II. Cloze exercise.
Complete the paragraph with the words on the box .
Max went to Mr. Levine's Snack Shop one morning. When he _____________ that
Mr. Levine was putting up a sign ____________ the prices. Max asking him why he
had to ____________ the prices. Mr. Levine told him that someone __________
the night before and broke a window. Although anything was ___________, Mr.
Levine saw it was necessary to increase the prices. Max left the Shop and
____________ who could have done it. Why brake a window and not __________
anything from the Shop?
Part III. Future Tense Verbs
Read the paragraph below and then change the underlined words to the future tense
verb.
Max was passing by the Snack Shop one morning when he saw Mr. Levine putted up a
sign where it said that the prices had increased. Max got curious and when and
asked Mr. Levine why he did it. Mr. Levine explained that some had broke a window
of the store and because of the expenses he needed to increase the prices. Max
was determine to find who could have broken that window and why?
noticed
broke in
stolen
wandered
steal
increase

Homework

The movie "Clue"
Use the following questions to keep track of the movie. You may come up with other questions if
necessary. This activity will be to take notes, that means that this does not have to have an order or
written in complete sentences. This is for the student to keep track of all things happening in the
movie to later use during in class activities.
1) List all characters with character traits
3) Explain the main mystery
4) Is there any connection between characters? Such as ,they knew each other from the past.
5) Describe the atmosphere of the plot.
6) Does the mystery gets solved? Yes or No. Why?, How?, Why not?
7) Name the elements of mystery that comes through in the movie. explain
8) Enumerate the killings throughout the movie. Who you think committed each one? explain
9) Choose a character. Explain why you chose it and give examples. (it could be personality, you
identify with, like the way he or she resolved situations or take sides, they way he or she may
evolved or change from the beginning to the end of the movie)

Week 2
Graphic organizer for the writing process

Rubric to evaluate a narrative story

Verb tense presentation

Helping Verbs Tense
Present
am – is - are
Past
was -were
Past Participle
have – has - had
Combine with the
present participle
form of the verb.
Combine with the
past participle
form of the verb.

Name:________________________________ Date:_______________
Instructions: In groups read the following story to answer the questions. Be prepare
for later own discuss for answers.
The Case of the
Disappearing Dimes
Nina had expected her great-great uncle's house to be like mansions in the movies,
with marble columns and rose gardens, not peeling paint and a weed- filled lawn. But
Dad explained that Waldo hated spending money, except on his collections.
Nina's parents thought the kids were playing outside. Instead, they snuck into the
candlelit parlor.
"Your Mom will freak out if she catches us," Nina's cousin Max muttered.
"I know. But Uncle Waldo traveled a lot and I never got to meet him while he was
alive. I just want to see what he looks like."
"At least turn on some lights," Max grumbled. "This is creepy."
"Didn't you hear the lawyer talking to Mom and Dad? Uncle Waldo called the parlor
his 'candle room.' He never had it wired for electricity." She crept over to the
coffin and peered inside.
Waldo wore a tuxedo with a ruffled shirt and red cummerbund. His white hair was
neatly combed, his nails manicured, and his diamond stickpin and silver cufflinks
glittered in the candlelight.
"He looks nice," Nina whispered.
Max took one glance inside, then pulled Nina away from the coffin. "Weird," he said.
"I didn't think people wore tuxedos when they were buried."
"He liked it. Dad said Uncle Waldo even had his portrait painted wearing this exact
same outfit. He put it in his will that he wanted to be dressed for his funeral exactly
the way he is in that portrait."
Max shivered. "I wonder who had to dress him?"
"Harvey, Waldo's assistant."

"Like a butler?"
"Sort of."
"So he really was rich. Hey, your Dad was kidding about inheriting twenty cents,
right?"
Nina led her cousin back down the hall. "Well, Waldo did leave Dad two dimes. But
Mercury is facing the wrong way or something, and that makes them worth a lot of
money. Mom said it was enough to pay my way through college someday."
"Cool."
"Uncle Waldo's daughter, Fiona, inherited the house and all this stuff." They
entered the study where Nina's parents were talking to the lawyer, Mr. Baxter. Max
gawked at Waldo's "collections." Display cases everywhere were filled with jewel-
encrusted objects.
Harvey, Waldo's assistant, handed glasses of lemonade to the kids, then left. Nina
thought he looked as sour as the drink tasted.
"Fiona arrived earlier, but you probably won't see her until the funeral tomorrow,"
the lawyer was saying. "Waldo requested burial near his gazebo. Harvey will dig the
grave himself."
"Poor Harvey," Dad murmured.
Baxter nodded. "At least Waldo set up a trust that will continue to pay Harvey's
salary, small as it is. Now, would you like to see the dimes?"
In the master bedroom upstairs, the lawyer twirled the combination lock on a wall
safe while Nina studied the painting of Waldo that hung above the fireplace. Decked
out in his tux, ruffled shirt, jade cufflinks and diamond stickpin, he seemed to wink
down at her.
Baxter removed a box from the safe and opened it.
Everyone gasped. The box was empty.
"Impossible!" the older man exclaimed. "They were here an hour ago."
"The safe isn't damaged," Mom remarked. "How many people know the
combination?".
He frowned. "Just myself, Fiona and Harvey. I'd better call the police."
"Go ahead," Dad said. "But no matter who stole the dimes, they're small enough to
be hidden anywhere. Even if the police tear the house apart, I'll bet they never find

them." Nina stood up, staring at the portrait. "I think I know who took the dimes,"
she whispered to Max. "And if I'm right, I know where they are."
Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
1) List all characters with its character traits
3) Describe the atmosphere of the setting?
4) Why are Nina and Max at this setting?
5) What is the big mystery?
6) How does the characters figure out the mystery?
7) Who figures out the mystery?
8) What is the motive for the rubbery? Explain

Name:___________________________________ Date:_______________
Read the following story and then answer the questions in complete sentences.
The Case of the
Disappearing Signs
Nina was eating cold pizza for lunch at Max's house one hot July day. Mrs. Decker
came in looking warm and weary.
"I'm so disgusted," she said. "Remember that old house over on Norton Drive that I
listed? I put a FOR SALE sign up in the yard early this morning. Just drove by now
and it's gone. This is the third one this month that has disappeared."
"Why would anyone steal a realtor's signs?" Nina asked. "What would anybody do
with them?"
"Who knows?" Mrs. Decker poured herself a glass of lemonade. "Probably some kids
with nothing better to do. I suppose they could use the signs to build something.
They were the wooden ones."
Max nudged Nina. "Want to bike over and see what we can find out?"
"Not much there to see," his mother told him. "Only two houses on that whole
street. An old lady-Mrs. Stearns-lives in the house next to the empty one."
"Maybe she saw something," Nina said. "Let's go ask."
Half an hour later the two were biking toward the end of Norton Drive. A pick-up
truck was parked in front of the empty house. A man was standing on the sidewalk
looking in all directions.
"You kids know anything about this place?" he asked. "I'm from out of town, and my
nephew has been checking houses for me this past month. He thought I might like
the one at the end of Norton Drive, so he let me borrow his truck to drive over here.
But I don't know if this is the house he meant. There aren't any signs."
"This house is for sale," Max told him. "My mom is the real estate agent."
"Great! Then can you tell me her name and company? I'd like to ask about this
property. Paul tells me that houses in this part of town sell fast. He says this one

has been on the market for quite some time. Glad I got here before it was sold! Just
couldn't get over here any sooner."
As soon as Max gave him the information, the man drove off. Nina stared after the
truck. "Know what? His nephew, Paul, might have taken the signs. Maybe he didn't
want people to see that the house was for sale until his uncle had a chance to look at
it. You can put lots of things in the back of a truck."
Max nodded. "Let's ask this Mrs. Stearns if she saw anything this morning."
Mrs. Stearns came to the screen as soon as the two knocked. She was gray-haired,
but she stood straight and tall. "Oh, I think I know who might have taken those
signs," she told them. "Freddie Swanson. He lives a block away, but he's always up to
mischief."
She held the door open as she talked, so Nina peeked inside. She liked the cozy
living room. The sofa and chairs were velvet-covered antiques. Lace doilies covered
the end tables. A large painting hung over the intricately- carved fireplace mantel,
and a cheerful fire crackled below.
"I know Freddie," Max said. "And I know where he lives. Let's go see him."
Freddie was putting a lawn mower in the garage when they reached his house. He
mopped his brow, as he talked to them. "Why would I take a dumb old sign?" he
asked. "Besides, I've been out here doing yard work all morning." Nina stared past
him at the garage. Her parents could hardly get their car in her garage at home
because of all the stuff in it, but this one was practically bare. Then she noticed a
crudely built tree house in the yard. The boards were gray and weather-beaten.
She and Max talked as they biked back to his house. Mrs. Decker was washing the
lunch dishes when they banged into the house.
"We think we know who took the signs," Nina told her.
Answer the following questions:
1) List the characters of this story with its character traits
3) Describe the atmosphere of the setting?
4) Why are Nina and Max at this setting?

5) What is the big mystery?
6) How does the characters figure out the mystery?
7) Who figures out the mystery?
8) What is the motive for the rubbery? Explain

Name:____________________________________ Date:________________
Group:_________________________ 8th grade English
Instructions: Read the following story. Then answer the questions and try to find out who
did it. use context clue strategies to determine word meaning.
The Case of the
Ruined Roses
featuring
Nina Chase and Max Decker
"That was a neat program on UFO's," said Nina to her cousin Max as they walked
down the street. "I think what really amazed me was that UFO's were reported as
early as 1800."
"That's pretty hard to believe," said Max. "Anyway, do you really believe there are
such things?" Nina started to answer when they heard a loud scream coming from
Coach Thornton's house.
"Come on," shouted Max. They ran into the yard where the coach was staring at ten
rose bushes that had been pulled from the ground.
"Look at that!" he demanded. "Just look at that."
"That's terrible," cried Nina. "Who could have done it?"
Coach Thornton looked disgusted. "I had to bench three of my best football players
for cutting class. They were pretty mad at me."
"First thing, we'd better get these roses back in the ground," said Max. "Then we'll
figure out who did it."
Nina and Max helped Coach Thornton replant the roses. Then he invited them in for
milk and cookies.
"Now," said Nina. "Am I right? You benched Sam Cartland, Mike Brooks, and Alex
Avery."
"And you lost the game," added Max.
The coach rubbed his eyes. "I know, but rules are rules."
"I'll bet one of them did it to get even," said Nina. "How about we nose around a
little?"
"Let's see," said Max after they left. "Coach said the roses were all right when he
looked out at nine. But shortly after ten, he found them pulled up."
"So, we check to see who doesn't have an alibi between nine and ten. Look!" Nina
pointed. "There's Alex Avery over at the Dairy Bar."

Alex looked up as they came in. "Hi kids," he drawled.
"Hello, yourself," said Max. "We missed seeing you in the football game."
"That was a bummer all right. But I guess the coach didn't have any choice."
"Where you been all morning?" asked Nina.
"I've been right here since nine." He turned to the girl behind the counter. "Isn't
that right, Amy?"
"Uh huh. You helped me carry in that heavy box."
"So you weren't anywhere near Coach Thornton's house?" asked Max.
Alex looked surprised. "No, I'm not mad at him, but I don't intend to visit him."
After they left, Nina looked down the street. "That's Sam Cartland's house. Let's
see what he's been doing."
"What do you two want," growled Sam when he came to the door.
"Hey, lighten up, Sam," said Max. "Can we talk with you?"
"Sure, come on in." He pressed a button on his remote control and turned off his
VCR. "I've been watching some football tapes to improve my game."
"We wondered what you were doing between nine and ten this morning," said Nina.
"I was right here watching that program on UFO's."
"That was a good program," said Nina. Remember when that guy from Roswell, New
Mexico insisted he had been abducted?"
"Yeah," laughed Sam. "The one with the bushy hair. Funny how this has been going on
for so long. That pilot, Kenneth Arnold, started it back in 1947 with the stuff he
saw."
"Very interesting," said Max, trying not to look bored. "But we have to get going."
"Maybe we can find Mike Brooks working out at the gym," said Nina as they left.
"Probably," agreed Max.
They found him on the treadmill. "Hey, you two want to join down here? It's a great
place to work out."
"Not right now," said Max. "We were wondering about what you were doing from nine
to ten this morning."
"Right here. You can check the log book. Why?"
"Just curious," said Nina with a smile as they went back to the desk. Sure enough,
Mike had signed in at five of nine.
This is great," Nina groaned. "They all have alibis."
"I'm not so sure of that," said Max.
Part I. Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1) List all characters from the story.

2) What is the main mystery of this story?
3) What could be the motive for destroying the coach's roses?
4) Who are the suspects to the mystery?
5) List the alibis each suspect had.
6) The story has an open ending; who do you think did it? Why?
7) How did you come up with the conclusion?
8) Do you think it is right to destroy someone else property for that motive?
Part II. Context clues
Write each bold and underlined word from the story. Write your own definition
according to the used of each word in the story.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

Week 3

Name:_____________________________ Date:______________________
Novel: Closed for the Season. Author: Mary Downing Hahn
Making Predictions and Stating Opinions
Preview:
But when the boys ride up to it on their bikes, Arthur tells his new friend, Logan,
that the old amusement park hasn't been open for years. The overgrown park looks
sinister even in broad daylight, so Logan is reluctant to go inside, but Arthur urges
him on. He's sure they'll uncover important clues to the mystery they're trying to
solve: Who killed Myrtle Donaldson? And what happened to the money she handled as
head bookkeeper at the Magic Forest?
Arthur and Logan's quest takes them to the lowest-and highest-level of society in
their small Virginia town. The boys must pay another visit to the Magic Forest, this
time in the middle of the night. And this time, they find the killer waiting for them...
Directions: After reading the book's preview reflect and answer the following
questions.
1) Why do you think the amusement park has being close for years?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2) What do you think will be the connections between the murder and the missing
money?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3) What are you views about Logan's and Arthur's traits?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4) Do you think there will be other mysteries unraveling during the novel?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Guided questions and vocabulary words Chapter 1:
Define the vocabulary words and classify them by its part of speech (verb, noun, adjective, adverb)
1) Describe Arthur's appearance.
2) Describe Logan's new house.
3) What is your first impression of Arthur?
4) Is the mystery is set in motion?
5) How many characters are introduce? Name each one and who they are.
cynical cellar
sinister snobs
wreck eager
beckon propinquity
smear leash
fuss goose bumps
concocted sagging
yanked longingly
gruesome

Chapter 2:
Classify the vocabulary words into verbs and adjectives
blurted out ransacked shrill embellishments strike glum sported
neglected relish stiffly loaded scribbled dumb intending
etiquette sights whirled mendacious shattered intricacy
Verbs Adjectives
1) Why Arthur believes Mrs. Donaldson was murdered? Explain
2) Explain Arthur's plan to show Logan the town.
3) What is Arthur's opinion about Johnny O'Neill? Why you think that?
4) What is the reaction of Logan's mother about Arthur?

Chapter 3:
1) What does "Save the Magic" sign stands for?
2) Why do you think people are putting up that sign?
3) Explain Bear's behavior
4) List all places Arthur and Logan went through on the sight seen? Draw a map on the town with your
description.
5) According to Arthur's description of Mrs. Donaldson's funeral, How was it?
Use context clues strategy and write a sentence with each vocabulary word
Homework:
Predict: Go back these 3 chapters. Enumerate possible clues to Mrs. Donaldson death and explain why you
chose them.
stuck:___________________________________________________________________________________
Victorian:_______________________________________________________________________________
nice:____________________________________________________________________________________
weird:__________________________________________________________________________________
suburb:_________________________________________________________________________________
envy:__________________________________________________________________________________
trek:___________________________________________________________________________________
maneuvering:____________________________________________________________________________
exposed:________________________________________________________________________________
gears:__________________________________________________________________________________
vines:__________________________________________________________________________________
enjoyed:________________________________________________________________________________
wobbled:________________________________________________________________________________
swerved:________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 4:
1) Arthur and Logan's last stop is the Town Library. Who do they meet there?
2) What do they do in the library?
3) What clues Arthur comes up with?
4) Why Nina Stevens asks for Arthur's and Logan's addresses and phone numbers? Explain

# 1 Take home quiz
Novel: Closed for the Season
Name:______________________________________ Date:_________________________
Group:________________________ 8th grade-English
Answer the following questions about Chapters 1through 4
1) Describe what personality traits Logan liked about Arthur and what personality traits he did not
like about Arthur.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2) In what shape is Logan's new home?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3) What were the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Donaldson's death?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4) Arthur's grandmother and Logan's father both complain about big chain stores overtaking local,
smaller stores. Which kind of store does your family prefer to shop at? Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5) Explain why Mrs. Donaldson's death could be considered a cold case.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
25 points total
____________________

Chapter 5:
Answer the following questions and use the vocabulary words to help answer each one.
Homework:
Predict: Go back and reflect on all clues and characters. Make your prediction about who killed Mrs.
Donaldson and why.
1) What was Logan's mother thoughts about the killing?
2) During the interview with Mrs. Jenkins, who does she suspects killed Mrs. Donaldson? Why?
give details
3) Why the Forbes moved to Bealesville? How they feel about it?
dropped pursing chucked perched bulldozed shivered leered
cold case files volunteering convinced jotted doffed nodded affably cobwebby

Chapter 6:
Define the following vocabulary words using context clues
wolf down ditch kudzu disgrace chant engulfs snatched disbelief cracked
lanky vanishing swerving condemned padlocked hollered
6) Why is the sign at the gate of the park?
5) What does it means "No Trespassing"?
4) Using the description on page 43, draw The Magic Forest and the route to get there.
3) How did Arthur handle it?
2) What was the situation they encounter?
1) Who do Arthur and Logan meet on their way to the Magic Forest?

Chapter 7:
Use the vocabulary words to answer the following questions.
overgrown algae gunky broke crumbling damp law-abiding antagonizing
leprous mildewy pulverize erudite scurried aversion apologetic creepy atmosphere
fascinating surreal slicker uneasy flitted nervously sassy
1) Describe in details the physical conditions of the Magic Forest
2) Do you think there are clues to the mystery? Yes or no, why? explain
3) Who do the boys meet? Describe the situation
4) What was the feeling of being in the park by the end of this chapter? explain

Chapter 8: Look for the eight verbs and write a sentence with each one
tugged gravel repentant clinging slammed vexation provoking creep
overrun jagged herded wander slid lecture inconsiderate unsuitable
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
1) At the beginning of this chapter Arthur describes Billy as "a despicable ignoramus with the social
presence of a flea". What does that means?
4) By the end of the chapter Logan's parents argued about comments made by Rhoda. What do you
think she is like? Why?
3) How did Logan's parents handled that too?
2) How did Arthur's grandmother reacted when she found out he was at the park?

# 2 Take home quiz
Name:______________________________________ Date:_________________________
1) Should Logan's family stay in the house? Why or Why not?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2) Why doesn't Mrs. Jenkins believe Mrs. Donaldson stole anything?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3) Describe what kinds of things you'd like to do at an amusement park.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4) Should the boys have gone to the Magic Forest? Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5) Predict what will happen next.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
25 points total
____________________

Week 4
Chapter 9:
Use the vocabulary words to help you answer the following questions.
haul flung tag sales puzzled look crammed dented hired rummaging ragged
fumbled dashed plopped eaves dated shred of prove obvious trotted revealed
1) Why did the boys went to the attic?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2) What clues did they find? Explain
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
3) What is Arthur's plan now? Why?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
4) In the letter Mrs. Donaldson wrote she says to Violet "Don't be scared of You Know Who".
Who do you think he or she is? Why?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
5) Do you think the money is still hidden in the Magic Forest? Why or Why not?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 10:
1) Do you think Violet does not remember the clues from her mother's note or she is making it up? Why?
2) How did you feel during Violet's and Silas's argument?
3) What would you have done if you were Arthur? This is while watching Silas argued with Violet.
4) Why do you think the boys are going to the Phelps' property? Explain
Classify the following vocabulary words into nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Nouns Adjectives Verbs
synthetic resemble retreat stalk cruised crouched sneaked scowled lingered shimmered
bulged straddle gazed fiddled jabbing tidying evidence reluctant solemn asphalt

Chapter 11:
Use the vocabulary words to help you answer the following questions
Chapter 12:
skidding steady picturesque ramshackle plummeted neglected cicadas throttle
suggest pawing peeled tumbled signaling cussed hellhounds burst
vicious ached grabbed gulped mock horror sprawled swore stuffed sauntering
With this chapter the Phelps are introduce. Arthur and Logan are spectators narrating what Logan is seen.
1) Explain the dynamics between Silas and Danny and Danny and May.
2) What are Billy and Johnny doing?
3) Who was with Mrs. Jenkins when the boys got home? Why?
4) What did Violet suggested to help her remember the clues left by her mother in the letter?
5) How does the chapter ends?

Use the vocabulary words to answer the following questions.
barged towed sincere squatted deftly crowding haste wrecking unreadable irate
bunions amusing chores slumped goof around swung flung untangle wrested
In your opinion: What have you might done differently than the boys did to escape their situation?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The boys are getting into more trouble, this time serious trouble.
1) Why the boys went to see Violet?
2) What did Violet told them?
3) What did they decided to do after Violet told them about the letter?
4) Explain what happens in the library.
5) Once again the boys bumped into Nora, she is everywhere. What do you think of her?
6) How did they escape Silas?

# 3 Take home quiz
Name:______________________________________ Date:_________________________
1) Who do you suspect is the thief? Why?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2) How does Danny appear mean? Why can the reader sometimes feel sorry for him?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3) Were the boys justified in stealing the map, since it was just temporary?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4) What do you think Silas wants from the boys? Explain.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
20 points total
____________________

Chapter 13:
Divide the following words according to their prefix and/or suffix write the meaning for each
1) What are Arthurs' feelings towards his real mother? Explain
2) What clues do they find studying the map?
3) How is the atmosphere when the boys get home?
4) Who they find? Why you think she is there?
5) Danny's character is a lot to take in. Why you think he is the way he is? What motives does he has?
veered:_______________________________________________________________________________________
circumstances:_________________________________________________________________________________
cautiously:____________________________________________________________________________________
septicemia:____________________________________________________________________________________
lunchless:_____________________________________________________________________________________
unless:________________________________________________________________________________________
destiny:_______________________________________________________________________________________
gazed:________________________________________________________________________________________
intended:______________________________________________________________________________________
restless:_______________________________________________________________________________________
dubious:______________________________________________________________________________________
tumbledown:___________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 14:
rerun:_______________________________________________________________________________________
amazement:__________________________________________________________________________________
doused:_____________________________________________________________________________________
uncomfortable:________________________________________________________________________________
misfit:______________________________________________________________________________________
relentless:___________________________________________________________________________________
undependable:________________________________________________________________________________
useless:_____________________________________________________________________________________
unreliable:___________________________________________________________________________________
In this chapter Logan validates to everyone Arthur's friendship.
1) What reasons does Logan have to accept Arthur and defend him?
2) Logan's mother take a turn for the worst after finding out about the library incident. What motives Carolyn to act
the way she does? Explain with examples
3) What are your thoughts about Anthony, Robert and Mackenzie? Explain
4) What do you think were the real motives for Nina to lie about Logan's behavior?
5) Draw Fair Oaks

Chapter 15:
Answer the following questions
1) How did Logan feel about these new kids? Why do you think that?
2) Do you think Carolyn realized the way Logan was feeling during lunch? Explain the situation
3) What happen the next two days that Logan spends with Carolyn?
4)How is the atmosphere between them? How do you know?
5) What evidence do you think Logan was referring to by the end of this chapter?
unfortunately:________________________________________________________________________________
mindless:____________________________________________________________________________________
miserable:___________________________________________________________________________________
unbelievable:_________________________________________________________________________________
uptake:______________________________________________________________________________________
friendless:___________________________________________________________________________________
unwanted:___________________________________________________________________________________
encourage:___________________________________________________________________________________
disconsolately:________________________________________________________________________________
avoiding:____________________________________________________________________________________
wordlessly:__________________________________________________________________________________
exhausted:___________________________________________________________________________________
collapsed:____________________________________________________________________________________
sadder:______________________________________________________________________________________
untouched:___________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 16:
Use the following vocabulary words to answer the questions below
outfits satisfied combed unhappy flounced wardrobe giggle rescuing mingle
blabbed patronizing accusation caught sarcasm suing strolling uneasy edged
unequaled scanning platitudes clustered interviewed trusted basis in fact meddling swept
parted
1) What are your thoughts about Mrs. DiSilvo? Why?
2) Did you find any new clues? Explain
3) Do you think Nina's personality change? Why or why not?
4) From what social status are the people from the party? How do you know? Explain
5) Explain Logan's behavior. Why he was that way with everyone at the party when people were treating him
nicely?

# 4 Take home quiz
Name:______________________________________ Date:_________________________
Answer the following questions about Chapters 13 through 16
1) Explain why Arthur's grandmother is raising him.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2) What do you think Nina's motive was in calling Logan's mother to question his friendship with
Arthur?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3) Do you think Logan and Arthur can ever be friends? Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4) What was your impression of Anthony's friends?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5) Will the boys find the briefcase using clues in the mote? Predict what you think will happen.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
25 points total
____________________

Week 5
Chapter 17:
1) What is Arthur's attitude towards Logan? Why?
2) Reflect on Logan's narration about the conversation with Mr. DiSilvo. What connections or motives can
you make?
3) What does the sign "Protest the destruction of the Magic Forest" means?
4) Why is so important for the people of Bealesville to save the Magic Forest?
5) What was Mrs. Donaldson' s strategy o help Violet conquered her fear about the Witch?
6) Why Arthur thinks the money in the Witch Hut? What clues does he have?
7) What is the plan to find the money? Explain
8) Why does Arthur says "Is now or never?
9) Do you think Mr. DiSilvo threaten the boys or just was concerned about their safety? Why?
Define each of the vocabulary words using context clues strategy (You will have to go back to the chapter)
aimed:____________________________________________________________________________
reverberating:______________________________________________________________________
crept:_____________________________________________________________________________
unsuitable:________________________________________________________________________
disgusting:________________________________________________________________________
mystified:_________________________________________________________________________
shouted:__________________________________________________________________________
hideous:__________________________________________________________________________
armload:__________________________________________________________________________
lumbered:_________________________________________________________________________
frighten:__________________________________________________________________________
whereabouts:_______________________________________________________________________
grotesque:_________________________________________________________________________
dilapidated:________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 18:
Use prefix and/or suffix to change the following vocabulary words
unaware:__________________________________________________________________________
sorrow:___________________________________________________________________________
trotting:__________________________________________________________________________
surveyed:_________________________________________________________________________
uncovered:________________________________________________________________________
trowel:___________________________________________________________________________
1) Why Logan got sentimental when he saw his parents?
2) Describe the atmosphere of the Magic Forest at night.
3) Explain how Logan, Arthur, and Danny are feeling on their search for the Witch Hut. Why?
4) Finally, where and how do they find the briefcase?
5) Who do you think the boys will encounter? Why?

Chapter 19: Use the vocabulary to help you answer the discussion questions
5) Who else was at the park? Why?
6) Who are the four fugitives? What make them fugitives?
Open Discussion
Think:
1) Who murdered Mrs. Donaldson?
2) What motives had Mr. DiSilvo for doing what he did?
3) Are Johnny, Billy and Silas a part of the murdered of Mrs. Donaldson or Mr. DiSilvo acted alone?
By the end of this chapter the mystery is unraveled; what are your thoughts on how everything
connected. Explain
4) Why is she in town?
3) Who is Nina Stevens?
2) Who appeared now?
1) Who do you think the third person is? Why?
charade cahoots schemer
ashamed blundering liar
unexpected redoubled crook
money laundering racketeering homicide

Chapter 20:
Write a sentence with each of the vocabulary words
angrily
_______________________________________________________________________________
retrieving
_______________________________________________________________________________
earned
_______________________________________________________________________________
misinformed
_______________________________________________________________________________
4) What was inside the briefcase?
1) What were the real reasons Nina lied to Carolyn and Mrs. Jenkins about the boys behavior? Why?
2) How do the police catches Silas?
3) Who finally found and handed in the briefcase?

Chapter 21:
Write a paragraph using all six vocabulary words.
1) How did Logan's mother reacted to the DiSilvo's finding?
2) What were the finding of the investigation?
3) What are your thoughts on them?
4) At the end Silas and DiSilvo ended up in jail. Danny thought it was funny; "who would have thought
that both would end up like that" Explain, give motives and circumstances
5) By the beginning of the school year; what was the perception of other kids towards Arthur and
Logan? It this different from what kids thought of Arthur before the uncovering the mystery to Mrs.
Donaldson murdered? How? Explain
resolved confiscated
ungrateful reputation
unfriendly spineless

Rubric for debate

Rubric for Written Book Report

Final exam for the novel "Closed for the Season"

Small group exercise:

SCAVENGER HUNT
FIGURE OUT EACH CLUE AND FIND THE REWARD
Instructions:
The items will be found in furniture around the school. Divide the group into small groups of 5 or
6. Have a leader for each group. Give to each student the list of items to be found. Give them 3
minutes to organize. Finally, give 30 to 40 minutes for the students to find all items on the list. The
group who finds all items tells the rest of the group about they figure out each clue.
1) People put things that they will not use any more. Sometimes this object is use to put recycle
items such as paper, plastic, and aluminum.
A newspaper comic strip that includes a caldron or a ghost
An October calendar
An October magazine cover
A spider
2) It is use stack books. It has four lines available. It is made out of trees.
A mini pumpkin
A chocolate bar with a Halloween wrapper
A piece of black licorice
A black walnut
3) This item is big, rectangular, and platinum. The temperature will vary.
A black hat
A handwritten recipe for pumpkin pie
Green Jello
4) It has multiple purposes. It is big and rectangle. It has space to put away notebooks, paper,
pencils, pens, and other office items. You can write on it and put things in it.
A cobweb
A mask
A dead flower
5) It is made of carton. It is square. If it gets wet will smooch and loose it's shape, therefore will
not be able to stack things away.
An orange crayon
Playdough in the shape of a bat
Black eyeliner

Bibliography
1) Class presentation
www.prezi.com
2) Novel
Mary Downing Hahn (2009) Closed for the Season
3) Context Clues worksheets
http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/free-reading-worksheets/reading-comprehension-
worksheets/context-clues-worksheets/
4) Graphic organizer (grammar)
Baucer, J. (2006). Graphic organizer and mini-lessons. In Vocabulary buildingRetrieved from
https://www.google.com.pr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBw
QFjAA&url=https://michelleleba.wikispaces.com/file/view/Graphic+Organizers+that+buil
d+vocabulary.pdf&ei=nVkpVKuEBtGQNonPgKgK&usg=AFQjCNEUQqeTxE_YMPPJB
rGUPYm2E8glUQ&sig2=I_i8DZd-wH2rXshmDBh6Lg&bvm=bv.76247554,d.eXY
5) Rubrics
http://course1.winona.edu/shatfield/air/classdebate.pdf
www.intel.com/cd/corporate/education/apac/eng/461406.htm
http://www.rubrics4teachers.com
http:/www.readwritethink.org
6) Novel and reading activities
www.englishhelper.com
http://kids.mysterynet.com/
7) Circular letters from the Department of Education of Puerto Rico
Education, D. Department of Education of Puerto Rico (2014). Puerto Rico Core Standards.
Puerto Rico.
Román, R. Department of Education, Secretary office. (2014). Política pública sobre la
planificación del proceso de aprendizaje y currículo (06-2014-2015). San Juan, P.R.:
Departamento de Educación.
Román, R. Department of Education, Secretary office. (2013). Política pública sobre el contenido
curricular del programa de inglés para todas las escuelas públicas elementales,
intermedias y superiores (8-2013-2014). San Juan, P.R.: Departamento de Educación.

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