In this project, elementary students explore the structures and features of picture book mysteries and use this knowledge to write and illustrate an original collaborative mystery in a ’big book’ format.
Before producing their collaborative mystery, the Cycle 2 students at Carlyle Elementary School in Montreal:
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Students, working both independently and in collaboration with the members of their group, wrote and illustrated their sections of the book.
Since it was a collaborative project there were many opportunities throughout the writing process for groups to share their drafts with the class and teacher in order to receive feedback and to keep the continuity of the story. Transitions from one chapter to the next were decided on by the whole class and recorded by the teacher.
When the final draft was edited and revised the big book was put together.
The students celebrated the classroom publication of their collaborative mystery. They shared their mystery with other classes. It became part of the class library and was a popular home reading choice.
What’s in a Mystery? Exploring and Identifying Mystery Elements
Genre Study: A Collaborative Approach