How to Use Who-Dun-It Curriculum in a Homeschool Co-op
In “How to Use Who-Dun-It Curriculum in a Homeschool Co-op,” Episode, #129, Meredith Curtis explains how to use her most popular English course, Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing, in a homeschool co-op setting. It’s easier than you think to teach, homeschool Mom or Dad! Teens love sharing their stories together and discussing classic cozy mysteries in book club. Plus what other course requires you to watch a detective show once a month? The student benefits—logic, creativity, literature understanding deepens, and FUN—enrich high schoolers educational experience and create happy lifetime memories!
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Show Notes
Welcome to our cozy mystery peer review time. We are mesmorized by the story, trying to figure out the clues.
This is much too fun for a high school English class! Or is it?
When It’s Your Turn to Teach at Co-op
It’s your turn to teach the high school English course and you are stumped.
I have a fun solution!
Mystery lovers unite!
Spend a year reading and writing a cozy mystery
Benefits of Writing a Who-Dun-It
Opportunity (or challenge) of creating a story that others will enjoy
Writing your own literature teaches you so much about literature
The role of logic
Craftsmanship
Reading aloud to edit/craft
An Overview of The Year
First half:
- Reading/watching/analyzing
- Creating characters/settings/scenes
- Write short story
Second half:
- Novels/short stories
- Work on novel
- Peer review & crafting as you go
The Planning Is Already Done
How the course is laid out
Work at home
Work in co-op
Creating Characters & Using Dialogue & Description
How do golden age authors do it?
Well-rounded characters
Quotation marks
Close your eyes and listen—can you see it?
Classic Literature & Substitutes
Christie, Sayers, Chesterton, Doyle
Children’s classics: Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Mandie, Sugar Creek Gang
Golden Age Classic Mysteries—excellent literature!
Why Book Clubs Help So Much
Talking helps brain connect information
Differing opinions lead to lively discussions
Start with “Did you like this book—why or why not?”
Each book club focus: characterization, setting, dialogue, tone/mood, plot
Why TV Shows Help So Much
Scenes
Storyboard
Perry Mason, Murder She Wrote, Monk, Garage Sale Murders, Matlock
Writing for Peers vs. Writing for No One
When you are reading stories aloud, you have a purpose, an incentive
How writers have grown with this
Responding with affirmation and helpful advice, not critical
Unleashing Creativity
Creating characters, settings, plots, scenes, dialogue, surprise endings—hard work but fun!
Who Dun It Murder Mystery Literature & Writing changes students
The Logic of a Who-Dun-It
Have to make sure everything lines up, is logical, makes sense
Did the reader get enough clues to solve mystery? “How did I miss that!”
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Resources
Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!
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