Top Secret: Cause & Effect Fun!

My Top Secret Context Clues activity has been such a hit I decided to create another one to target another popular skill!  

Can your students crack the code and solve the mystery?

To use this activity:
-Print, laminate and visually display the “confidential” file.  On one side should say the word “confidential” and on the other side will say the “code” for students to figure out.

-2 levels are provided with 2 codes to crack!  First level is recommended for grades 2-4 and the second level is recommended for grades 5-8.

-Level 1:  Students will pick a card with a “cause” and they must express a possible “effect.”  If they respond correctly, there will be a letter provided on their card.  They may hold onto their “clue.”  If students respond incorrectly, the card with their “clue” should go back in the pile to be tried again.  Once all of the cards are used, students should work together to unscramble the letters to “crack the code” or solve the mystery!

-Level 2: Students will pick a card and read the short story.  Then they must answer a question using their understanding of cause/effect.  If they respond correctly, there will be a letter provided on their card.  They may hold onto their “clue.”  If students respond incorrectly, the card with their “clue” should go back in the pile to be tried again.  Once all of the cards are used, students should work together to unscramble the letters to “crack the code” or solve the mystery!

**Suggestions:  Feel free to prompt students to help them unscramble the letters.  Feel free to give them hints (first letter of each word, give them a clue to help).  You can also write your own numbers on each card and write the corresponding numbers on the lines on the "code" page.  Students can match the letters with the numbers to solve the mystery!


-A review worksheet is provided for each level.

You can access this activity in my TpT store by clicking HERE!