"Examination Day" Short Story Escape Room Activity: Practice Plot & Theme

Practice comprehension, plot structure, textual evidence, theme, and more with this engaging escape room for the short story "Examination Day" by Henry Slesar. If you've never read or heard of this dystopian/sci-fi story, check it out - it's the PERFECT accessible, high-interest, twist-ending story for middle schoolers.

This activity can be facilitated traditionally, digitally (aka NO prep), or with a blended hybrid approach. During this escape room, students will answer questions, identify elements of the plot, write & support a theme, and more! It's a great way to review essential ELA skills. :)

This sequential escape room was designed with scaffolding in mind. It takes students through 3 challenges, which start simple and gradually progress to more cognitively complex tasks.

There are three different options:

• Traditional (Pencil & Paper Escape Room: No technology needed)
• Blended (Traditional + Technology: Google form with clues automates the breakout, but the tasks are hidden around the room like in the traditional escape room)
• Fully Digital (The Google form is all students need. This is also a great option for absent students who are making up the escape room)

Complete materials and detailed instructions for ALL methods are included.

Please be aware that both the traditional and blended escape room require some prep (reading the instructions, printing the tasks, cutting matching cards, and hiding the tasks around the room). If you don’t have prep time, the fully digital option is your best option.

This 20-page PDF product contains absolutely EVERYTHING you need:

-Teacher Guide & FAQ

-Teacher To-Do List

-Ideas for Setting the Mood & Transforming Your Room

-Google Forms

-Paper Versions of Code Recording Sheet & Clues

-Instructions on Hiding the Tasks

-Explanation of Tasks

-Student Tasks

-Answer Keys

-Signs, Props, and Decorations