Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the basics of being a detective, including how to observe, ask questions, and solve simple mysteries.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Crayons or markers
• A small toy or object to hide (like a stuffed animal or a ball)
• A notebook or journal for notes
• Optional: a magnifying glass (if available)

Before the lesson, think of a simple mystery or scenario for the student to solve, such as "Who took the cookie from the jar?"

Activities

• Detective Observation Walk:

  Take a short walk around your home or yard. Ask the student to look for clues, like different colors, shapes, or sounds. Encourage them to point out anything interesting they see!

• Hide and Seek Mystery:

  Hide a small toy or object and ask the student to find it. Provide clues as they search, like “It’s not under the table, but it’s near something soft!”

• Draw Your Detective:

  Have the student draw a picture of what they think a detective looks like. They can add fun items like a magnifying glass, a hat, or a badge!

• Ask the Right Questions:

  Role-play a detective interview. Pretend to be a witness to a silly mystery, and let the student ask questions to solve it. For example, “What color was the cookie?”

Talking Points

• “Detectives look for clues. What do you think a clue is?”
• “Asking questions is super important! What question would you ask to find the missing toy?”
• “We can use our eyes and ears to help us. What do you see around you?”
• “Every mystery has a solution! Let’s see if we can find it together!”
• “Being a detective is fun! What do you want to solve next?”