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Mysteries, polka dots, California Rolls, TJ Maxx, cozy blankets, rainy days and getting the first spoonful of peanut butter out of the jar make me smile. Spiders, rude people, cold fingers and toes, baby leashes, people that don't wrap their packages before going to the Post Office, poison ivy and Math (pretty much all of it) make me want to scream. My perfect day would be spent with my wonderful husband and sweet girls- watching movies in our jammies! Of course, having the movie theater to ourselves would be great, too. Please pass the popcorn and M&M's.:) I am saved by the grace of God. He is my constant companion and hears my every prayer. What a blessing! I'd love to hear from you! Lori at toosillysisters@cox.net

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Nancy Drew class

Today was our first day of Nancy Drew class! I have a class of 13 children- both girls AND boys. I was surprised to have boys interested, but why not? Everyone enjoys a good mystery! Today we discussed:

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We also learned a bit about the history of Nancy Drew and how she dates back to the 1930's. She has changed a lot over the years! The children were surprised to learn that Carolyn Keene was not a real person. A number of men and women were responsible for writing the Nancy Drew mystery series but they all used the pen name Carolyn Keene. We watched a clip of this old Nancy Drew movie and at a later date we will watch a clip of the Nancy Drew TV show.


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We played a "Who am I" game at the beginning of class. I taped a name of a character in the book on each child's back. They then had to go around the room and ask people "yes" or "no" questions to discover who they were. Detective work!

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Hannah Gruen, Nancy's housekeeper and friend, prepared hot chocolate and homemade cookies at the beginning of the book for company, so we enjoyed the same refreshments while we discussed the book! (They were made by my very own Ned Nickerson!)

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We then talked about how important it is to have excellent observation skills to be a good detective. This book helped us work on our technique.

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Of course, we had to test our observation skills! The children were allowed to look at this box full of various items for one minute. Then I closed the box and they had to write down everything they remembered including color, number, etc. It was not an easy task!

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Here they are looking at the items in the box. They were really intrigued!

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Next week we will discuss The Secret of Red Gate Farm. I can't wait!

24 comments:

Robin Beck said...

I would love to be in that class, you make everything so interesting and fun!

Okay, one more thing... I make amazing cookies and was shocked to see your cookies! They look as good as mine! (if not better) How is that possible? Oh I know, it must run in the family!!! ~♥ Yummy girl!

Love,
Me

Darlene said...

What a FUN class!!!! I bet boys do love reading Nancy Drew because I remember I also read the Hardy Boys and enjoyed it. It sounds like you did some great things with the kids and the cookies look delicious.♥

Polka Dot Moon said...

What a fabulous class!! If we lived closer, I'd come :)

Thinking about you and hope that you are feeling good!

Denise

Anonymous said...

Wow--I want to join in on this class. Your creativity knows no bounds. Very impressive, sister.

Sherri said...

Lori, what a wonderful idea! I love Nancy Drew!! What fun!

michelle edwards joy said...

I want to take the class!! I love your Valentine on your door.

Jenn Fisher said...

Very fun, wish I could have attended :)

Jenn:)

Connie said...

I think I have read every Nancy Drew book! I didn't know about Carolyn Keene! That's almost like finding out about the tooth fairy or Santa!
I'm sure the classes are so much fun! Great pictures. Good looking cookies.

Molly said...

Ok first I want to join your class :) This looks like so much fun!! Second a I need that cherub pendant from the mystery box ;) Have fun next week and have a great weekend!!
~Molly P

Yarni Gras! said...

what a neat concept...did you come up with it for your home school class or for fun?

mysteryhistorymom said...

Val- I am teaching the class at our home school co-op. So fun!
Molly- I made the cherub pendant for my shop but now I don't want to part with it! I will be wearing it on Valentine's Day.:) Oh, and the Nancy Drew cookbook! It is mine from when I was little!:)
Robin- I wish I could try your cookies! I know they are delicious!

Lori

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Lori
We wish we could have come along to your Nancy Drew lesson and joined in. It looks so much fun. You have the most wonderful ideas to make learning enjoyable.
Your cookies look great.
Lindsay
x

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Lori
We wish we could have come along to your Nancy Drew lesson. It looks like so much fun. You always have great ideas to make learning enjoyable.
Your cookies look great too.
Lindsay
x

Wendy said...

Ohhh, how neat!! I love all of your activities and pictures (especially those cookies! Mmmmm)
I love the objects-in-the-box idea. There's a game called Stare that would go along with that really well!
Gotta say, I adore that gray hat in the last picture. So cute. Someone give that kid a pipe, quick.

mysteryhistorymom said...

Wendy- Isn't he cute??!! He got the hat for his birthday as he is really into Sherlock Holmes.:) He is one of your neighbors, too! Lori

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

That sounds like the best class ever!

Cherrie said...

It looks like so much fun! I would have loved to do that when I was a kid! I would even love to do that now, at my age! lol

Angie said...

I wanna be in your class! It looks like a bunch of fun! And..it doesn't hurt to have some yummy cookies, too...mmmmmm.

Hugs ~ Angie

Lindsay-ann said...

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Aunt Lori!!!
I googled the beautiful song you have playing on your blog. Priscilla Ahn is incredible! She has such a pure, lovely voice and the lyrics take my breath away as well! Thanks for giving me this week's song obsession! I just downloaded 'Dreams' I LOVE it!
Thanks again,
Jessica
xxx

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Amazing ideas here. How fortunate all these students were to be in your class that day. Great job! : )
M.L.

Serendipity said...

I remember reading about one of your classes last year...SO MUCH FUN!

I've been catching up on your posts...Thinking of you, and sending a little love your way! Have a really good week...

Fran. said...

Hi, Lori just checking in on my blog! Thanks for stopping by! Oh you know how much I would love to come to your class and play! I am on the couch from my surgery again. That's what took me so long! LOL I read the book your doing next! (The secret at red gate farm) this summer. The boys will like that mystery alot. Did you get that movie to watch at the library? I saw it on e-bay. You are such a fun teacher!! I learn from you too! LOL Take care, XO Fran.

Allyson said...

Genius, sheer genius! You are amazing and so creative. My kids LOVE Nancy Drew and so do I.

Samantha said...

Looks like MUCH more fun that I EVER had in school!