Mysteries in the Classroom

(Paperback)

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Description

Celebrated author Nancy Polette offers a complete mystery literature guide for primary, intermediate, and middle school mysteries. Librarians and teachers alike will find this engaging title from popular author Nancy Polette a joy to use, and the information it offers is a sure way to engage students in literature. Mysteries in the Classroom introduces 23 reading strategies tied to the National Standards in Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies that can be used with any mystery. Booktalks and activities are presented for 17 favorite mystery series and 6 favorite authors. The book includes hands-on activities to introduce each series and author, booktalks for the Edgar Allan Poe Juvenile Mystery Award winners from 1979 to 2008, and step-by-step directions for turning booktalks into readers theatre presentations. An especially exciting feature is a section contributed by Newberry-award winning author Richard Peck in which he guides budding young writers in coauthoring a mystery with him. Grades 1-6

Reviews

This guide to using classic and contemporary mystery novels in elementary and middle school classrooms includes a section by Newberry winner Richard Peck, guiding students to co-author a mystery with him. Part I presents 27 reading strategies tied to the National Standards in Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies, which can be used with any mystery. Both primary and intermediate grade examples are given. Part II offers literature guides for picture books and novels for grades 1-6, and Part III provides hands-on activities, games, and accompanying reproducibles for 15 mystery series and 5 popular authors. Part IV supplies booktalks for Edgar Allan Poe Juvenile Mystery Award winners from 1979 to 2008, and also includes directions for turning booktalks into readers' theater presentations. * Reference & Research Book News *
This guide to using mysteries in the classroom to teach reading strategies for grades one through six is filled with useful material. . . . The book is very attractively laid out, and the activities are age appropriate and fun as well as tools for learning. This would be a way of freshening up a unit on mysteries or just updating reading instruction overall. Librarians who teach elementary students for library time could probably use the lessons and ideas to their advantage as well. Recommended. * Library Media Connection *
This is a very complete guide for teachers who want to use mystery books in their reading programs. With the activities and evaluations given, I think other genres could be incorporated, although, obviously, teachers would have to find their own titles and authors for other genres. For those looking for suggestions for guided reading titles and activities, this book would be an excellent resource. Recommended for elementary and middle school teachers. * Catholic Library World *

Author Bio

Nancy J. Polette is professor of education at Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, author of more than 100 professional books, and an in-demand speaker at state and national library, gifted, and reading conferences.