So, I also include comprehension questions for each chapter to help students remember significant plot points. At the end of the novel, we go back and identify which clues were actually useful information to solving the mystery and which were just red herrings.įiguring out who took Sam Westing’s life is such a central part of the whole novel that unless students are comprehending the basic plot, they will have trouble deciphering the nuances of each chapter.

I have them jot down the page number for any clue they write down. For example, students often write down, “There is no such person as Barney Northrup,” since it immediately sends up a red flag when they read this. Anytime, students come across something that is mysterious or seems like it might have something to do with Sam Westing’s death, they write it in their clue tracker. The Case Books include so much great content to help students stay engaged – plus it helps them keep track of everything important as we read! What’s Included in the Case Books: Mystery #1įor mystery #1 (who took Westing’s life), I provide students with a clue tracker. Since it’s such a complex novel, I include several graphic organizers in their case book. I provide each of them with a “case book” for them to organize their notes as they work to solve the aforementioned mysteries. The day we begin the novel, I put students into groups and let them come up with a name for their detective agency. Which character experiences the most significant change as a result of playing the Westing Game?.What message do the characters’ clues reveal?.Which characters are the burglar, bookie, bomber, and mistake?.Middle School kids love this! As we read the book, we will focus on four main mysteries for students to solve: Some of the resources I use for teaching The Westing Game.

So here we go… My Complete The Westing Game Lesson Plansįrom even before we start reading, I try to amp up the excitement about reading the novel/increase student buy-in, telling students that since we will be reading a mystery book, we will be forming detective agencies to help solve the numerous mysteries in the plot. So, in today’s post, I’m going to outline all of my The Westing Game Lesson Plans – and I mean, I am going to walk you through EXACTLY what I do with this novel … just in case you’re looking for a way to update your Westing Game unit or want to add it to your curriculum. Jessica here with you today to talk all about my The Westing Game Lesson Plans!Įach year when I ask my students what the best assignment or unit was in Literature class, the majority of them identify our novel unit for The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin as their favorite!! It makes my teacher heart happy to hear because it’s my favorite, too!

Book review of the westing game