oshc activities
Book Week / Mystery Wrapped Books

Mystery Wrapped Books

Books are wrapped in paper with only a few clue words on the front, so children choose their next read by the clues and how they link to the theme, not the cover.

How to run it

  1. Wrap a selection of books in brown paper or newspaper.
  2. Write three or four clue words on each parcel, such as the genre, a setting and how it connects to this year's theme.
  3. Let children pick a mystery book, unwrap it and spend time reading it.
  4. Ask older children to wrap a book they love and write clues for someone else.

You will need

  • a selection of books
  • brown paper or newspaper
  • sticky tape
  • markers
Make it easier or harderYounger children choose from picture clues and read with a buddy; older children write cryptic clues for others to solve.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 3Choosing a book by clues encourages curiosity and gives children a calm, enjoyable reading time.

Fits these theme days

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