This Week in Reading: Cracking the Case with The Westing Game

This week in our reading class has been nothing short of a literary adventure as we dive into the intriguing world of The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Our classroom has transformed into a bustling hub of detective work and puzzle-solving as we immerse ourselves in this classic mystery novel.

For those who aren’t familiar, The Westing Game is a captivating tale centered around the enigmatic Samuel W. Westing, who leaves behind a complex will and a challenging game for his heirs. The story unfolds with a series of clues, red herrings, and clever twists, keeping readers on their toes. Our class has been thoroughly engaged with the narrative, and we’ve embraced the challenge of decoding the mysteries that Raskin weaves into the plot.

Detective Skills in Action

In our quest to unravel the secrets of the Westing estate, we’ve been practicing our own detective skills. Here’s a peek at how we’ve been channeling our inner sleuths:

  1. Clue Analysis: We’ve been combing through the text, examining clues and their significance. Each clue in The Westing Game is meticulously crafted, and we’ve been analyzing these details to understand their potential impact on the storyline. It’s been fascinating to see how small details can turn into major plot points.
  2. Character Profiles: Understanding the motives and backgrounds of the characters has been crucial. We’ve created detailed profiles for each of the heirs, piecing together their relationships, quirks, and possible agendas. This exercise has helped us gain insight into the complexity of the plot and the motivations behind each character’s actions.
  3. Group Discussions: Our class discussions have been lively and insightful. By sharing our theories and observations, we’ve been able to piece together the puzzle more effectively. These discussions have also highlighted the importance of collaboration and different perspectives in solving complex problems.
  4. Creating Our Own Puzzles: Inspired by The Westing Game, we’ve had the chance to design our own puzzles and clues. This hands-on activity has not only been fun but has also given us a deeper appreciation for the art of mystery writing. It’s incredible to see how challenging it can be to create a puzzle that is both tricky and solvable.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our exploration of The Westing Game, we’re eager to see how the story unfolds and what new clues we’ll discover. Our detective work has already revealed so much about the characters and the plot, and we’re excited to see if our theories hold up as we move closer to the resolution of the game.

Stay tuned for more updates on our literary detective journey. Who knows? Maybe we’ll solve the mystery before the characters in the book do! 

The Summit Preparatory School is a fully accredited, non-religious, private school offering a full-time seated independent education for students in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, and the greater Southwest Missouri area. Our preparatory school setting offers an enriching early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum in a supportive environment. We have state of the art facilities, highly-qualified teachers and staff, and a large range of educational programming. Interested in enrolling your child? Learn more about our admissions process.

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