Description
In this differentiated escape room type activity with word puzzles, your students will collaborate for a fun treasure hunt while building spelling and critical thinking skills. Choose from 3 challenge levels in either print or all-digital format.
For this game, teams work together to solve the word puzzles and follow clues that will lead them to hidden treasure. Students love the fun of an escape room game, and you will love that this low-prep activity gets them thinking as they work through the puzzles and use the clues to crack the code!
⭐️ How does the treasure hunt game work? (Click the PREVIEW link above for a closer look!)
In this differentiated escape room type activity, students will solve 4 different word puzzles, with each completed puzzle bringing them closer to discovering the hidden treasure. (3 levels of difficulty are included). After correctly completing each puzzle, students will receive a piece of a note that contains a clue. They will solve a total of four puzzles:
- Anagram pairs puzzle: clues are given for two words that are anagrams of each other. Each word has a key letter that they decode to reveal a secret message
- Black out message: From a grid of words, students delete words one by one according to certain characteristics. After following all instructions, the words remaining will reveal a message. NOTE: This puzzle references basic grammar points, such as parts of speech, synonyms, antonyms, articles, etc. For example, students may be asked to delete all proper nouns, past tense verbs, etc.
- Mystery word puzzle: Students give answers to clues, and then use letters from the words in their answers to decode a message. All but 6 letters of the message are unlocked from the clues, and the missing letters spell out a mystery word.
- Secret message maze: Directions are given to move through a maze, picking up letters along the way to spell out a message and an instruction to find the hidden word.
⭐️ What you’ll get:
Printable version:
- Student instruction sheet with treasure hunt story, decoder ring, and cellphone to input the final passcode when all puzzles and clues are solved
- The four puzzles listed above, each with 3 differentiated levels so you can choose the best level for your students
- Clue notes to distribute to groups after completion of each puzzle. They will put these pieces together at the end and use their detective skills to discover the phone passcode. Two levels of notes are included to give options to differentiate the game even further.
- Optional clue cards to distribute to students to give them an opportunity to exchange for hints if they get stuck during the game.
- Optional image to add location of your own “treasure” if you would like the game to end with directions to treats or prizes for your students after cracking the code
- Complete instructions, including tips, suggestions, and options to make it a super fun experience.
- Complete answer keys: All puzzle solutions are given, as well as clear explanations about how to crack the final code.
Digital version:
- All of the above are included, except there is nothing to distribute to the students except for optional clue cards. You will receive a PDF with links to 3 separate games, each a different level. You simply choose the level you want to use with your students, and when you assign them a specific level, they will receive the relevant puzzles and clues.
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to use the digital version, students will need to have access to the following: Google Forms and Google Slides. Please confirm that your school allows access to these types of documents when they are from outside your school district. In the game instructions, I have included a workaround for students to use the game when districts block Google links, but I cannot guarantee that it will work in all situations. Additionally, for one activity, they will go to the website: What3Words, so you may wish to confirm that students are able to access this site.
Simple and Low Prep Set Up: This activity does not involve a lot of pieces or complicated setup, so this is a perfect option if you want a fun escape activity that is relatively low prep. The digital version requires no paper and limited teacher preparation/direction.
If you have been wanting to try a digital escape room but have hesitated because they seem overwhelming, this may be a good place to start.
⭐️ Benefits of Escape Rooms: Students love them, so they make excellent back to school icebreaker activities or can be used for those times you want to give them a fun break. They are perfect for holiday parties, days leading up to or following a school break, a stress-relieving activity after state testing days, or any time your students just need a break from the routine. Love escape room games? Check out the whole collection of escape room games!
As this is a treasure hunt game, it is perfect for any time you want to give your students a treat or prize, which can be the treasure that they receive after cracking the code. I have included tips for connecting this game to your own “treasure” that you have hidden somewhere that they will get directions to once they have completed the game.
But the best part about escape room type games is the multiple social and educational benefits: team building and bonding, builds critical thinking skills, encourages creative thinking, improves attention to detail, and develops analytical and problem-solving skills. This particular activity will also give your students lots of spelling practice.
This game would also work well for upper-level ESL students to get them talking and they will probably even learn new vocabulary in the process.
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