Activity Overview
A fun way to enter into the Westing mystery is to have students make predictions about the various “criminals” alluded to in the novel. These include Westing’s murderer along with the bookie, the bomber, the thief, and the mistake. Have students use the poster layout to create a Wanted poster for the heir that they suspect in one or more of these roles. Suggest using textables to add important information about the character, including physical description, motive, evidence, or suspicious quotations. For fun classroom decorations, don’t forget to print off the posters!
Teacher note: Add additional template options to the project by visiting our Wanted Poster template page!
Example The Westing Game Wanted Poster
WANTED FOR MURDER: BERTHE ERICA CROW
AGE: 57OCCUPATION: Cleaning woman
MOTIVE: anger toward her ex-husband
EVIDENCE: All the clues in Westing's will point to her
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a Wanted Poster that analyzes a character from The Westing Game.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the character and select one of the Storyboard That characters to represent them.
- Add a description, reasons, & a reward under the guise of a character analysis.
- Add an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Includes who's wanted or missing, a reward amount if found, a contact phone number, and 2-3 sentences that accurately describe the missing person. | Missing one element of text. | Missing two or more elements of text. |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict the person or animal according to the story with clear visuals including an appropriate scene, character, items, etc. | Illustrations depict the person or animal but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not depict the person or animal. |
Activity Overview
A fun way to enter into the Westing mystery is to have students make predictions about the various “criminals” alluded to in the novel. These include Westing’s murderer along with the bookie, the bomber, the thief, and the mistake. Have students use the poster layout to create a Wanted poster for the heir that they suspect in one or more of these roles. Suggest using textables to add important information about the character, including physical description, motive, evidence, or suspicious quotations. For fun classroom decorations, don’t forget to print off the posters!
Teacher note: Add additional template options to the project by visiting our Wanted Poster template page!
Example The Westing Game Wanted Poster
WANTED FOR MURDER: BERTHE ERICA CROW
AGE: 57OCCUPATION: Cleaning woman
MOTIVE: anger toward her ex-husband
EVIDENCE: All the clues in Westing's will point to her
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a Wanted Poster that analyzes a character from The Westing Game.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the character and select one of the Storyboard That characters to represent them.
- Add a description, reasons, & a reward under the guise of a character analysis.
- Add an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Includes who's wanted or missing, a reward amount if found, a contact phone number, and 2-3 sentences that accurately describe the missing person. | Missing one element of text. | Missing two or more elements of text. |
| Illustrations | Illustrations depict the person or animal according to the story with clear visuals including an appropriate scene, character, items, etc. | Illustrations depict the person or animal but are unclear or incomplete. | Illustrations do not depict the person or animal. |
How Tos about The Westing Game: Create a Wanted Poster
Organize a Westing Game character gallery walk
Arrange student Wanted Posters around the classroom and invite students to circulate, observe, and take notes. This interactive approach boosts engagement and encourages students to analyze their classmates' interpretations of the suspects.
Prepare students for the gallery walk with clear expectations
Explain the purpose of the activity and share guidelines for respectful feedback. Encourage students to look for unique details in each poster and jot down questions or observations to discuss afterward.
Assign students to respond with evidence-based comments
Ask each student to leave a comment or sticky note on at least two posters, referencing specific evidence or creative choices. This practice deepens their critical thinking and supports respectful peer interaction.
Facilitate a whole-class discussion to reflect on findings
Lead students in sharing what they noticed or learned from the posters. Highlight how different perspectives can emerge from the same text, reinforcing analytical reading skills and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Westing Game: Create a Wanted Poster
How can I create a Wanted Poster activity for The Westing Game?
To create a Wanted Poster activity for The Westing Game, have students select a character suspected of being the murderer, bookie, bomber, thief, or mistake. Students should use a poster template to include a physical description, motive, evidence, and suspicious quotes. Adding illustrations and printing the posters can enhance engagement and classroom decor.
What characters should students focus on for The Westing Game Wanted Poster project?
Students should focus on characters who are possible suspects in the mystery, such as the murderer, bookie, bomber, thief, or mistake. Examples include Berthe Erica Crow and other heirs. Encouraging predictions about motives and evidence helps deepen character analysis.
What information should be included on a The Westing Game Wanted Poster?
A strong Wanted Poster should include the character's name, age, occupation, physical description, motive, evidence, and any suspicious quotes. Visual elements like illustrations or character avatars add interest and support comprehension.
Where can I find templates for The Westing Game Wanted Poster assignment?
You can find Wanted Poster templates on educational sites or by visiting the dedicated Wanted Poster template page referenced in the project instructions. These templates help structure student work and save preparation time.
What grade levels is The Westing Game Wanted Poster activity best for?
This activity is best suited for grades 6–8, as recommended, but can be adapted for other levels. The project is ideal for individual or partner work and builds skills in prediction, character analysis, and creative presentation.
More Storyboard That Activities
Westing Game, The
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