Monster Hunts!
Be Creative - Hunt Monsters!
Both Schools and Libraries love this program!
This program is designed for children between the ages of 7 and 12, and they must be able to read to fully participate. And participate they do! This is one program where the kids do all the work!
Monster Hunters unravel the secret code
The children are the true heroes of this program.
- they figure out the secret code
- they decode the first clues
- they use the library catalog to find where to search for their next clue
- they search the aisles for succeeding clues
- they use decoded clues to figue out where to find the Monster's Secret Lair
- They capture the monster!
The Monster Hunt is a combination scavenger hunt / clue decoding activity that helps build library research skills in a fun, highly interactive program that also imparts a subtle lesson about learning to confront anxieties. In the Monster Hunt, teams of eager participants track down clues cards written in a secret code that are hidden in books throughout the library. When decoded, the clues provide hints about where to find the Monster's Secret Lair, and how to catch the creature hiding there. Using the library catalog and the Dewey Decimal System to locate the books with hidden clues, the teams use the decoded instructions to find and capture the Monster. Upon successful completion of the program, the children are all commissioned as deputy detectives in the Monster Detective Agency and rewarded with their own Monster Detective Badge.
The program is designed to last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
Monster Hunt Procedures:
- 1) Before children arrive -- Monster cards with coded clues are hidden in books throughout Children's Library aisles and shelves. Also hidden is a small (toy) Monster, which is placed in a secluded spot. All materials and preparation are provided by our activity facilitator.
- 2) Once all participants are present -- The activity begins when the Monster Detective in Charge (the facilitator) introduces himself and asks for help in dealing with monsters that are taking over the library. Participants help the detective locate the first set of clues, then they are broken up into groups. One clue, plus a Clue Decoder sheet, is handed out to each group. This clue, once decoded, tells the group which book to find in order to obtain the next in a series of clues that will lead to the monster.
- 3) Participants are instructed to search the children's library to find the books that contain the remaining clues and bring them back to decode for monster hunting instructions. The facilitator will show how to use the library catalog and Dewey Decimal System to locate the books they seek.
- 4) Participants will retrieve each successive hidden clue, then decode the messages to learn how to find and contain the monster.
- 5) When enough clues are decoded, the search will begin, using the decoded instructions to lead participants to the hidden monster and reveal how to capture it.
- 6) Once the participants have successfully tracked down and contained the monster, a special ceremony is conducted in which participants are handed out badges and sworn in as deputy detectives in the Monster Detective Agency.
This program has proven to be fun for both the children and their helpers and facilitators. Although 28 children is the suggested program maximum, larger groups can be accomodated under certain conditions. For a Children's Library with limited space however, a smaller number is highly recommended
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