The Mystery of the Missing Christmas Sparkle

           

Task 1: Mystery Brainstorm

1. Look at the word MYSTERY.

2. One-minute game: Write down as many English words as you can that are connected to mysteries, detectives, or being lost (in pairs)

3. Key Vocabulary: Write down the key words below in your notebook and make sure you understand their meaning: sparkle, sleigh, thief, essential, and discover. 

Task 2: Reading the Story

1. Read: Read the story The Mystery of the Missing Sparkle, from your printout or the class screen.

2. Highlight: As you read, highlight or underline any words you do not know. Do not stop reading; try to guess the meaning first!

                                    Click on the link to read the book:

                          The Mystery of the Missing Sparkle  

Why was Santa so concerned when he understood that the magic dust was missing? 

               Whose footprint do you think it is? 

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Task 2: Writing Chapter 2 – The Brown Sack 

 Solve the mystery! 

Your Mission: In groups of three, write a short continuation of the story. 

"That is not our bag," whispered Pip. "Our bags are always red." Santa walked slowly to the strange brown sack. He reached out his hand to open it. What was inside?"

Focus:

1. Write the next chapter of the book! 

• Why was Santa so concerned when he understood that the magic dust was missing? 
• What did Santa and Pip find in the brown sack? 
• How did Santa and Pip solve the problem with the missing Sparkle?
•  What will they do to be able to fly again and hand out Christmas presents to all children? 

Task 3: The North Pole News interviews the Elf Detective Flicker 

A few years later, you work as a journalist at The North Pole News. 

You become aware of the interesting story of the missing Christmas Sparkle and would like to know more about the Sparkle incident.  You meet Mr Flicker, who at the time worked as the detective who helped Pip to solve the mystery, and you get the opportunity to interview him. 

Your Roles (in pairs):

• Role A: The Journalist (Reporter from "North Pole News")

  • Your job is to ask smart, probing questions about the Sparkle incident.

  • You must prepare at least five questions.

  • Your questions should focus on the facts and feelings of the event. (e.g., “Mr. Flicker, can you describe the moment you discovered the Sparkle was gone?”)

• Role B: Elf Detective Flicker (Retired or Highly Honoured)

  • Your job is to answer the questions based on the solution you wrote in Task 3.

  • You must sound important and detailed.

  • Your answers must correctly use at least five of the "Essential Ten" vocabulary words in context.

Preparation in pairs. Help each other! 

1. Write Questions: The Journalist writes five questions.

2. Prepare Answers: Elf Flicker writes the answers. Make sure the five vocabulary words are naturally woven into the response.

3. Practice: Practice the interview role-play together. Show the class or a small group. 

4. OPTIONAL: Film your interview and pretend you work at the North Pole News!  (Here are instructions on how to film and edit your films on your PCs)

Presentation:

• Present your interview! Either show your film or your role-play. Be sure to speak clearly and speak English all the time!