I love having “Mystery Readers” and it has been an important part of my classroom for years. There is nothing more exciting to a student than to have a family member read to the class. I did not think it could get any better until I started working with my co-teacher, Patty. She has a wonderful addition to this timeless practice – hide the Mystery Reader behind a curtain! We only see the shadow! Too cool!!!
Students ask the Mystery Reader questions to try and guess — who is it??
The Mystery gives a thumbs up or down, shrugs, or nods their head to answer.
“Are you a girl?”
“Do you have a child here?”
“Is your favorite color red?”
I loved that this parent, Lindsay, brought Skippy Jones to make the shadows so much fun!!!
After the questioning, the students chant, “Mystery Reader, Mystery Reader, Please come out!”
My favorite part of the process will always be the all important reading.
Parent involvement in the literacy process is crucial to a child's success. I love the pressure parents receive to be a “mystery reader.” I love reading as the prime time activity in the classroom. So rich!
This moments are priceless!
Click HERE for another post on Mystery Readers.
Being the mystery reader was such a fun experience, and a great way to bond with my daughter and her class. She was thrilled to get to share both her mommy and one of her favorite stories with all of her friends! Such a great idea. Thanks, Mrs. Haughey.
I love this idea! I will try to use it in my classroom.
Beautiful idea! The children must be thrilled and have lasting memories.
This is a creative idea. For my older students I will have them be the mystery readers and have them be the ones also creating the “I wonder…” thoughts from their peers. This year I have 1st/2nd grade students that love to take the lead and are very empowered to work well within their own class room community. I feel like this is another great way to continue to add to this growth within our community and bring in our families as guest mystery readers. Thank you for this.
This is a beautiful idea! I am definitely incorporating this into my classroom this year!!!
One of my very favorite classroom traditions, EVER!
Wonderful idea!!! I want to use it in my class.
This year I invited parents to be mystery reader to read Dr. Suess books to my Kindergarteners. I have them scheduled at various times on various days so you never know who or when someone may come knocking at our door – like the Cat in the Hat. The children are so excited and are curious to know who will be the next mystery reader.
How exciting for the children! You know they can’t wait to see who knocks on the door next!
This is so interesting. I will start doing this. I also love the 12 days of Christmas idea. Thanks for sharing.
hi, Sally ,how exciting is that !may I know that to make the shadow we need to have a torch behind the reader, right ?
I do this in my class. I send out a signup genius for parents to pick a slot. I alternate from early morning slots so parents can read and then catch a train to work or just before end of day so parents can read right before pick up time. It is so fun, I have former students come back and be reader too. So fun
What a super idea! I can’t wait to start this after shelter in place is lifted and when things get back to normal. I was told no additional volunteers will be allowed..do you have any suggestions for parent involvement for the current times?