Mini-Mysteries

Description

Reading comprehension just got a little help from Sherlock - Sam Sherlock, that is. For some children, paying attention to what they read or hear takes practice. High-interest material can help. Mini-Mysteries leads students through many adventures with Sam, the famous detective, his dog, Watson, and a cast of other characters. Some "cases" are just foolish pranks; others are serious business. Regardless of the origin of the mystery, Sam is on the trail. Selections may be read by students or read by you. Students must read or listen closely to catch the clues needed to solve the "crime." Questions following each selection also give logic and thinking skills a workout as children work to put the clues together and draw a conclusion. The stories increase in difficulty as the book progresses, helping the reader to steadily increase his (or her) problem solving abilities. Other thinking skills get a workout, too, as questions ask children to predict outcomes, analyze motives, exercise judgment, apply information to other situations, etc. More Mini-Mysteries contains 22 more fun mysteries in the same format. This time, however, Detective Bree Cody and her cat Rico are solving the crimes. Answers are included at the back of both. Is there a detective in the house?

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.