A Gifted Program Unit Study

Here’s a 3-week ELA lesson plan outline for gifted scholars in 3rd-5th grade, focusing on problem-solving with a combination of riddles, puzzles, and brainteasers, along with a project to create an Escape Room. This plan also includes a book study of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

Week 1: Introduction to Problem Solving and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Day 1: Introduction to Problem Solving

  • Objective: Understand the concept of problem-solving and its importance.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss what problem-solving is.
  • Group activity: Solve a simple puzzle as a class (e.g., a rebus or a short riddle).
  • Journal: Write about a time you solved a problem and how you felt.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 1-2 of “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.”

Day 2: Introduction to Riddles

  • Objective: Develop critical thinking skills by solving riddles.
  • Activities:
  • Read Chapters 3-4 of “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.”
  • Discuss characters and plot.
  • Introduce and solve a series of age-appropriate riddles.
  • Create your own riddle in pairs and share with the class.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 5-6.

Day 3: Introduction to Puzzles

  • Objective: Use logical reasoning to solve puzzles.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 5-6.
  • Work on logic puzzles (e.g., Sudoku, crossword puzzles).
  • Small group activity: Design a simple puzzle for classmates.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 7-8.

Day 4: Introduction to Brainteasers

  • Objective: Enhance problem-solving skills with brainteasers.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 7-8.
  • Solve a selection of brainteasers as a class.
  • Brainstorm how these skills might be useful in everyday life.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 9-10.

Day 5: Problem-Solving Review and Escape Room Introduction

  • Objective: Review the week’s concepts and introduce the Escape Room project.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 9-10.
  • Review riddles, puzzles, and brainteasers solved this week.
  • Introduce the concept of an Escape Room and the final project.
  • Begin brainstorming themes and possible challenges for the Escape Room project.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 11-12.

Week 2: Deepening Problem-Solving Skills and Planning the Escape Room

Day 6: Collaborative Problem-Solving

  • Objective: Apply problem-solving skills collaboratively.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 11-12.
  • Group activity: Solve a complex puzzle or brainteaser together.
  • Reflect on the collaboration process and what worked or didn’t.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 13-14.

Day 7: Theme Development for Escape Room

  • Objective: Develop a theme for the Escape Room.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 13-14.
  • Brainstorm and vote on a theme for the class Escape Room.
  • Begin outlining the main storyline and objectives.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 15-16.

Day 8: Designing Challenges

  • Objective: Create puzzles and challenges for the Escape Room.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 15-16.
  • In groups, design different challenges related to the theme.
  • Draft how each challenge will fit into the storyline.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 17-18.

Day 9: Creating Clues and Solutions

  • Objective: Develop clues and solutions for the Escape Room.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 17-18.
  • Finalize challenges and create detailed clues and solutions.
  • Ensure that the challenges are age-appropriate and engaging.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 19-20.

Day 10: Prototyping and Testing

  • Objective: Test and refine the Escape Room challenges.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 19-20.
  • Set up a mock version of the Escape Room.
  • Have different groups test each other’s challenges and provide feedback.
  • Make necessary adjustments based on feedback.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 21-22.

Week 3: Finalizing and Presenting the Escape Room

Day 11: Final Adjustments

  • Objective: Finalize the Escape Room based on testing feedback.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 21-22.
  • Make final adjustments to the Escape Room challenges and setup.
  • Plan the sequence of the challenges and any necessary materials.
  • Homework: Read Chapters 23-24.

Day 12: Escape Room Setup

  • Objective: Set up the Escape Room for presentation.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapters 23-24.
  • Organize and set up the Escape Room in the designated space.
  • Ensure all materials and clues are in place.
  • Homework: Read Chapter 25 and prepare for the presentation.

Day 13: Presentation Day

  • Objective: Present the Escape Room to classmates or other students.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss Chapter 25.
  • Walk through the Escape Room as a class to ensure everything is ready.
  • Host the Escape Room for another class or group of students.
  • Reflect on the experience and discuss what went well and what could be improved.
  • Homework: Prepare a reflection on the project and the book.

Day 14: Project Reflection and Book Discussion

  • Objective: Reflect on the Escape Room project and complete the book discussion.
  • Activities:
  • Discuss the entire book, focusing on key themes and problem-solving aspects.
  • Share reflections on the Escape Room project.
  • Discuss how problem-solving skills from the book and the project can be applied to real life.
  • Homework: Write a review of “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” focusing on problem-solving themes.

Day 15: Celebration and Extension Activities

  • Objective: Celebrate the completion of the project and explore extension activities.
  • Activities:
  • Host a celebration for the successful completion of the Escape Room project.
  • Share and read book reviews.
  • Optional: Introduce additional problem-solving activities such as creating more complex riddles, designing individual escape room challenges, or exploring other books and stories with problem-solving themes.

Materials Needed:

  • Copies of “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library”
  • Puzzles, riddles, brainteasers
  • Supplies for Escape Room (props, paper, markers, etc.)
  • Journals or notebooks

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and activities
  • Quality of riddles/puzzles created
  • Contribution to the Escape Room project
  • Reflections and book review

This lesson plan aims to enhance problem-solving skills while integrating engaging and interactive activities, ensuring a deep and meaningful learning experience for gifted scholars.