Host Your Own Classroom Murder Mystery Masquerade Ball!

Do you teach a mystery novel/unit/genre study? Need something AMAZING for Halloween? Want to be remembered as the most AWESOME TEACHER EVER? My students' absolute FAVORITE events of the whole year was the murder mystery masquerade ball I put on after students read Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Three weeks before the event, I would send out mysterious invitations alluding to a masquerade ball. Two weeks before the event, I would give students their character cards. These cards included their character backgrounds/occupations, a description of the event hosted by the "World Peace Institution," an explanation of their connections to other characters, and suggestions for attire.

Included in this HUGE resource (OVER 200 PAGES!) are 30 character cards/descriptions, suggestions on how to decorate your classroom, ideas on how to get parents involved, a list of needed supplies, SUPER specific instructions on how to put on the event (we're talking minute-by-minute details!), a to-do list for the weeks and days leading up to the event, instructions for each character during the party, cue cards and clues to use during the event, and a description of five ways to reveal the murderer at the end of the party!

Best part? With Google Docs, it's entirely customizable! Want to tweak a character's description? You got it. Want to change up an ending? Absolutely! Make it your own! In addition, this masquerade ball is created to last 55 minutes (if you are on the block schedule, it can absolutely be stretched to 1 hour and 20 minutes!). No need to book a venue. Just use the class time you have and the classroom you have!

This murder mystery masquerade ball may seem like just a bit of fun following a mystery novel/genre study, but it hits SO MANY standards! For this activity, students must problem solve, employ reading strategies, analyze and synthesize details, and utilize their speaking and listening skills.

Here is the basic plot of the murder mystery. 

The World Peace Institute is putting on a swanky charity event to help fund world peace efforts across the globe. Millionaire Tony Marshall will be in attendance. He owns  a pharmaceutical company that donates needed medicine to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders. However, he also exploits average Americans by hiking his prices. He has also been known to pay off major government agencies in order to push his pharmaceuticals to the public more quickly.  For example, his newest pain medication (of which he donated a great deal to the USA military) was not fully researched nor tested, and it turns out there are some serious side effects. In order to increase his profits, Tony also “invests” money with known crime organizations, but he has lately fallen into financial issues revolving around his inheritance. In addition to his financial woes, Tony is also known for his commitment issues when it comes to relationships. Needless to say, Tony has many enemies at this party, but he has to keep up appearances. Who wants him dead? Who has a motive? What methods will they employ?

Like what you see? Check out my preview for more information! I'm excited to help you put on your own murder mystery party that students will never forget! Email AdventureswithMrsAnderson@gmail.com with any questions or if I can help you implement this resource in any way!

Thank you for supporting this Oklahoma teacher mom! All proceeds from my Teachers Pay Teachers profits go to paying for my four-year-old son's martial arts lessons, my baby girl's recent birth medical expenses, and paying down debt from years of buying my own school/classroom supplies. Please continue supporting my work by following me on TpT and Facebook (Page Name: Adventures with Mrs. Anderson: Oklahoma Curriculum Designer)!

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