Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery

I begin this lesson by asking my students to define what a “riddle” is.
They say:
“A riddle is like a problem you have to solve.”
“Riddles have clues.”
“You’re supposed to guess what something is.”

As a warm up, I read riddles that former students have written, and the class guesses what the answers might be. We discuss how writers can give clues about their object’s properties, use, or habitat. The students try to stump each other–let’s see if they’ve stumped you!

Mystery Object

My object is round.
It has three hands.
It has a number
Of numbers that is a dozen.
It is as quiet as a mouse.
9, 12, 6, and 3Are enemies.
It also helps you when
You’re lost in time.

By Ty, 3rd Grade

Sea Shore

I am as dull as a rock.
I’m grayer than a dolphin.
I hurt people when they step on me.
You don’t often see me.
I’m not worth a lot, just your treasure.
And I contain great beauty.
What am I?

By Theresa, 3rd Grade

You can guess your answers in the comment section below. Read my next post for the answers to these riddles!

Posted by Amy Lin, Writers in the Schools