"Secret Codes and Mystical Tales: Writing a Mystery" (3rd-5th Grade)

Pricing:

Testing Mom Members:
ONLY $15.00 per class ($60.00 total for 4 classes)
Non-Members:
ONLY $18.00 per class ($72.00 total for 4 classes)

Class Details:

Ages: 8 - 11
3rd Grade - 5th Grade

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Description

Do you love a good mystery? The thrill of solving a puzzle? Step into the captivating world of secrets unveiled and write your own mystery. We will use mentor texts to explore the elements of suspense, focusing on reliable vs. unreliable narrators, foreshadowing, and other literary devices. We will construct compelling plots, develop settings and characters, and plan a trail of puzzles and clues for your story.

In this engaging class, we'll delve into the art of crafting intriguing mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very end. Where budding young authors will journey through the enchanting realm of mystery writing. If you're captivated by secrets, clues, and twists, this is the perfect opportunity to create your very own masterpiece of mystery fiction.

What Students Will Learn:

Elements of Suspense and Atmosphere: Discover the secrets behind building suspense and creating an atmosphere that envelops readers in a shroud of mystery. Through immersive mentor texts, you'll learn how to engage your audience from the very first line and maintain their curiosity throughout your tale.

Narrator Dynamics: Reliable vs. Unreliable: Explore the intriguing world of narrative perspective. Learn how to weave a narrative web through reliable and unreliable narrators, playing with perceptions and adding layers of complexity to your mystery.

Foreshadowing and Plot Construction: Master the art of foreshadowing and plotting. Craft a story that intricately weaves clues into its fabric, dropping hints that only the most attentive readers can decipher while keeping the ultimate revelation shrouded in mystery.

Compelling Characters and Settings: Dive deep into character development and setting creation. Craft protagonists and antagonists that draw readers in with their hidden motives, and construct settings that set the stage for intrigue and discovery.

Puzzles, Clues, and Unraveling: Explore the heart of mystery writing—puzzles and clues. Plan a trail of enigmatic hints that gradually unravel the mystery, encouraging readers to become active participants in solving the puzzle alongside your characters.

Crafting Satisfying Endings: Learn the art of crafting a satisfying climax and resolution. Discover how to tie up loose ends, reveal the truth behind the mystery, and leave readers both surprised and fulfilled.

Peer Feedback and Revision: Engage in constructive peer feedback sessions, refining your work through multiple drafts. Understand the importance of revising and polishing your story to create a seamless and captivating mystery.

Supplies Needed:

Composition Book or Writing Paper
Pencil

*Class Enrollment Disclaimer*

At Testing Mom, we strive to provide the highest quality educational experience for all our students. If a class does not meet the required minimum number of enrolled students, rather than canceling the class entirely, we reserve the right to modify the structure of the sessions. In such cases, the affected class may be transitioned into an accelerated format. This modification aims to maintain the integrity of the curriculum while providing a more personalized and intensive learning experience for enrolled students. Rest assured, the quality of the class content and instruction will remain consistent, and any adjustments made will be in the best interest of enhancing their learning journey.

Important Note: Our system will send you the link to join the class 30 minutes before the start time of the class.

Marcie

See all of Marcie's upcoming classes.

Instructor's Bio:

Marcie has been working with children and the arts for over 20 years. She is a licensed preschool and elementary teacher with a master’s degree in the creative arts-integrated curriculum. She has studied at NYU’s musical theater conservatory and travelled the world as a singer/songwriter with top 10 major label dance releases. She wrote and recorded a children’s album, and regularly performs children’s music all over New England.

A message for the students:

Welcome to my classroom! We will have a great time exploring all aspects of science. Be ready to expand your knowledge with fun and exciting lessons!

Education:

Oberlin College- Bachelors in Psychology
Lesley University- Masters in Education with Creative Arts Integration

Hometown: Boston, MA

Marcie’s Favorite Things:

Taking walks
Reading
Watercolor painting
Playing drums

Fun Facts:

Marcie wrote and directed a musical last year for child actors in Cambridge, MA. She has been teaching for Testing Mom since May, and is thrilled to be working with your children.

Jennifer says:

A great class with a very friendly and engaging instructor! The class was full of opportunities for the kids to think creatively and share their work.

Juli M. says:

The instructor allowed his creative mind to think of important parts to a story such as setting, characters, and ending. She was also encouraging about his stories and helped him to think more.

Katrina R. says:

Marcie was great at making sure all the children were engaged and participating. She provided great instruction on strategies for answering the different types of questions and maintained positive coaching to help the kids answer when they were trying to figure out the answers. I was truly impressed. This was our first live class and we will be back for more and would love to have her as an instructor again. My 8 year old told me she enjoyed the class and would love to do it again.

Kate says:

Marcie was great, very patient with kids, and had a great way to explain test questions to kids.

Margo says:

The CogATprep teacher was so cheery, lovely, and patient - thank you! This class was very worthwhile. Even I as a parent learned about how to problem-solve these test questions!

Lisa R. says:

The instructor was wonderful. She explains the type of questions in a way that’s easy for kids to understand. The way she speaks and guides were phenomenal. My very shy daughter spoke up during classes and was disappointed when they were over. She seemed to gain a better understanding of some of the analogies she’ll see on her upcoming test. She hopes to take the class again.

Olga says:

My son liked the CogAT Verbal Battery class very much. The instructor, Marcie, discussed all standard problem types and explained how to choose the best answer. I think this class was very useful. Thank you! Marcie explained everything very well. She made the material look easy, even though it was really not. We liked her effective organization of the class. Testing Mom classes are very useful for test preparation.

Serpil says:

Ms. Marcie is great at inspiring and encouraging children to write. My daughter used to be in tears when she had a writing assignment. She often said she hated writing. However, my daughter could not wait to show us what she wrote in Ms. Marcies\' class. She kept saying she is proud of herself. She continued writing on her own after class and she now says that she wants to become an author. What a change! I strongly recommend this class and Ms. Marcie.

Flora says:

Ms. Marcie is patient, calm, and focuses on topics that most likely will appear during exams.

Flora says:

Hi Karen, thanks for creating this writing class. It helps my children to practice their essay lessons and to share their info with classmates. I have always loved everything concerning education with Testingmom. I take this opportunity to appreciate what Testingmom has done for my children. When my 1st child started pre -K I wanted to get a website that could help lead my children to be powerful figures. It took me a while then I found Testingmom. I signed up for a membership from 2013 until today. My 12 year and 10 year old are State certified talented and gifted students.

Christine says:

Jameson is now able to identify the things that make him angry and strategies he can use to calm himself down (blowing out five birthday candles). He knows who to call on for help when needed, depending on the situation. The instructor was very patient with the students and differentiates to meet different ages in the class. My son liked the stories and drawings too. He thought the teacher was awesome!

"Secret Codes and Mystical Tales: Writing a Mystery" (3rd-5th Grade)

Description

Marcie

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