The Westing Game Detective Case File - Novel Study Creative Activities Bundle

The Westing Game Detective Case File - Novel Study Creative Activities Bundle: Turn your novel study into a collaborative investigation with this interactive resource for The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Designed to anchor your novel study from beginning to end, this bundle will guide students through the novel as if they were part of the case themselves—tracking suspects, uncovering clues, and piecing together the mystery. As they assume character roles and complete detailed case file activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of the story’s plot, themes, and structure while thinking critically and creatively along the way.

This is included in our popular unit plan:
>>> The Westing Game Unit Plan

Included in The Westing Game Detective Case File Bundle:

➡️ Case File Teacher Instructions: Guide students through the novel in investigative groups with this step-by-step teaching plan. This includes a section-by-section breakdown of when to assign each activity and where to find it in the case file.  

➡️ Character Name Strips: Assign each student one of the 16 heirs using these printable name slips. Students take on their character’s role and track development throughout the novel.

➡️ Case File Activity Bundle: Support close reading and analysis with this comprehensive folder of creative and critical activities. Includes character profiles, clue tracking, symbolic analysis, genre breakdowns, bomb squad reports, and “Whodunnit?” predictions.

➡️ American Themes Nonfiction Reading: Help students build background knowledge with this nonfiction article, which explores concepts such as the American Dream, patriotism, and capitalism to deepen thematic connections.

How The Westing Game Detective Case File Bundle Works:

1. Start by assigning each student a character role using the printable name strips. Before reading, have them complete the nonfiction reading to build context around major American themes in the novel.
2. Group students into investigative teams of 4 or 5. These teams will collaborate throughout the unit, sharing character updates and discussing case file findings.
3. As students progress through the novel, they’ll complete a variety of activities tied to each section, such as character profiles, clue tracking, bomb reports, symbolism analysis, and mystery genre elements.
4. At the end of the novel, students use their completed case files to make a final “Whodunnit?” prediction, backed by the evidence they've gathered along the way.

This resource is designed to be used alongside your novel study, beginning in the early chapters and continuing through to the final reveal.

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