Lesson Title: A Novel Study Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Wondering how you can engage students in a Novel Study without assigning a traditional book report or test? Instead, have students participate in an engaging and interactive experience to demonstrate their understanding of the novel you’ve recently read together. By completing scavenger hunt missions, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the novel's key elements, characters, and themes. Whether you prefer students work individually or collaborate in a group, this activity is designed to be easily modified to best fit the needs of your students. This hands-on approach not only allows for a deeper exploration of the literary work but also encourages creative expression and critical thinking. 

Grade: 4 - 8

Subject: Literacy, Reading

Objective:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of the class novel through a series of interactive, mission-based activities using the Goosechase app. 
• They will explore themes, characters, settings, and plot developments in a creative and engaging way.

Materials:

• Goosechase app 
• Copies of the novel for each student
• Mobile devices with the Goosechase app installed (one per team).

Preparation:

• Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of novel-related Missions. Develop Missions that require students to find and analyze text features, reflect on events, and answer knowledge and understanding questions from the novel. Example Missions:
  • Photo Mission: "Capture an image of an object that symbolizes a theme in the novel. Explain your choice."
  • Video Mission: "Reenact a pivotal scene that showcases character development. Briefly discuss the significance."
  • Text Mission: "Find a quote that illustrates the use of a specific literary device (e.g., metaphor, simile). Explain its effect."
• Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
• Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
• Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the scavenger hunt individually.
• App Set-Up 
  • Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.
  • Ensure all students understand how to use the app safely and responsibly.

Lesson Plan Outline:

• Introduction 
  • Review the novel as a class, answering any questions that still remain about its content.
  • Reiterate the goals of the Goosechase Experience and how it will help review the novel's key elements.
  • Briefly demonstrate how to use the Goosechase app.
  • Go over the rules and expectations for the scavenger hunt, including safety guidelines and respect for school property.
• Goosechase Scavenger Hunt 
  • Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of evidence and analysis in their responses.
  • Explain how Missions are completed and submitted through the app.
  • Start the Experience through the Goosechase app, allowing teams to begin completing their Missions.
  • Monitor team progress and provide assistance as necessary.
  • If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
• Debrief and Reflection 
  • Gather students together after the scavenger hunt to discuss their experiences.
  • Ask students to reflect on how they worked as a team and what strategies helped them succeed.
  • Highlight creative or insightful submissions. Award bonus points to those teams or individuals (optional).

Optional Post-Experience Activities:

• Presentation
  • Allow students or groups to present their most creative or insightful missions to the class. This can include a discussion on why they chose those particular moments or themes to highlight.
• Written Reflection
  • Ask students to reflect on what they learned through this activity and how it deepened their understanding of the novel. 

Assessment:

• Evaluate students based on their participation, creativity, and thoughtfulness in completing the Missions. 
• Consider their engagement in the class discussion, the insights shared in their reflections, and any other relevant follow-up activities.

Ready-made Experience Templates

Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class? Click to download!

What is Goosechase EDU?

Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!