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Walton Burns

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United States - Connecticut

4.8

753 votes

"I make kids wonder, I make them question. I make them criticize." - Taylor Mali, What Teachers Make

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MY FEATURED ITEMS

April Fools' Day Discussion and Web Quest

$1.50

The Complete Clue by Clue Critical Thinking...

$123.00

$90.00

Easter Egg Engima: Critical Thinking Mystery...

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Robbed in 60 Seconds: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity, a jewelry store is robbed at the perfect time. The thief knew exactly what they were doing. There are only three suspects who could be so efficient: a known jewel thief, a mysterious man who may have been casing the store

Subjects:

Reading, Critical Thinking, Criminal Justice

Grades:

8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities, Games

CCSS:

RI.8.1, RI.8.8, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.8, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.36 MB)

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Empty Safe: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a rich man dies, but his home safe is empty and he has no bank accounts! Can your students use their reading strategies, critical thinking, and logical reasoning to analyze

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.7, RI.8.1, RI.8.6, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.6, RI.11-12.1, RI.11-12.6, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.39 MB)

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Murder by Appointment: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a woman tells a rival CEO she will kill her at a specific time and day. The rival CEO is indeed found dead, but the alleged killer has the perfect alibi. She was across town

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.6, RI.8.1, RI.8.8, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.3, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.72 MB)

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The Missing Jewel: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

In this brainteaser riddle that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a man gets a new job. He immediately mails himself two letters. When he receives the letters, he throws them away without opening them. Why did he do this? Can your

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities, Games

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.6, RI.8.1, RI.8.6, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.57 MB)

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Easter Egg Engima: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

Can you students solve this mystery by reading the clues, applying their reading strategies, inferring, and critical thinking skills? A man buys a rare expensive golden egg for 2.3 million dollars. Then he sells it for $300,000! Why did he do that

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Criminal Justice, Reading Strategies

Grades:

8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities

CCSS:

RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.5, RI.11-12.1, RI.11-12.6, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (2.55 MB)

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Easter Egg Engima: Critical Thinking Mystery Activity

By Walton Burns

In this fun and engaging mystery activity that gets students using critical thinking skills, a man buys a rare expensive golden egg for 2.3 million dollars. Then he sells it for $300,000! Why did he do that? Can your students follow the clues, and

Subjects:

Other (ELA), Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th

Types:

Activities, Printables

CCSS:

RI.8.1, RI.8.6, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.5, RI.11-12.1, RI.11-12.5, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.71 MB)

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The Missing Jewel: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

Can you students solve this mystery by reading the clues, applying their reading strategies, inferring, and critical thinking skills? In this mystery activity that's perfect for groupwork or pairwork, a woman has her jewels stolen on her wedding day

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.6, RI.8.1, RI.8.6, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.6, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.8

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.69 MB)

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Escape from Jail: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

Can you students solve this mystery by reading the clues, applying their reading strategies, inferring, and critical thinking skills? In this brainteaser that's perfect for groupwork or pairwork, a man escapes from jail right in front of the guards.

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities

CCSS:

RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.30 MB)

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The Art Thief: Critical Thinking Mystery PowerPoint Edition

By Walton Burns

Can you students solve this mystery by reading the clues, applying close reading strategies, inferring, and critical thinking skills? In this brainteaser that's perfect for groupwork or pairwork, an art thief gets away with her crime even though the

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education

Types:

PowerPoint Presentations, Activities

CCSS:

RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PPTX (1.26 MB)

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The Adventure of the Speckled Band Graded Reader

By Walton Burns

This levelled story is an adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes mystery story, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" for students graded to an elementary + / A2 + level, perfect for readers who are developing their independent reading skills and ESL

Subjects:

Reading, Critical Thinking, Literature

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education

Types:

Guided Reading Books, Printables, Literature Circles

CCSS:

RL.7.1, RL.7.10, RL.8.1, RL.8.10, RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.10, RL.11-12.1, RL.11-12.10, CCRA.R.3, CCRA.R.10

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (3.06 MB)

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The Mystery of the Strange Shooting: Critical Thinking Mystery Activity

By Walton Burns

In this fun and engaging mystery activity that gets students using critical thinking skills, a person witnesses a shooting. But when they return with police, there is no evidence of any shooting. What happened and what's nature of the con that

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables, Centers

CCSS:

RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.8, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.62 MB)

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The Mystery of the Buried Coin: Critical Thinking Mystery Activity

By Walton Burns

In this fun and engaging mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a millionaire dies and his secret treasure, a rare coin, ends up in the grave of a poor man! How did that happen? Who tried to steal it? Can your students

Subjects:

English Language Arts, Reading, Critical Thinking

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

Types:

Activities, Homework, Printables

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.68 MB)

ADD TO CART

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Murder by Appointment: Critical Thinking Mystery Activity

By Walton Burns

Subjects:

Reading, EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.8

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.78 MB)

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The Missing Manuscript Mystery: Critical Thinking Mystery Activity

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, the next book in a best-selling mystry goes missing from the publisher's safe? Who stole it and how? Can your students use their reading strategies, critical thinking, and

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

Types:

Activities, Printables, Centers

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.SL.1

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.72 MB)

ADD TO CART

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A Suprise for the Boss: Critical Thinking Mystery Activity

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, the CEO of a company invites some employees to his birthday party. During the party, a statue from his art collection goes missing. Who did it and why? Can your students use

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies, Close Reading

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables, Games

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.6, RI.7.8, RI.8.1, RI.8.8, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.8, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.4

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.74 MB)

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The Fake Map: Critical Thinking Mystery Printable Activity

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a man buys a replica of a rare map, but when he gets it tested, it turns out he has the original! How did he accidentally buy the original map? Can your students use their

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, ESL / ELL / EFL, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.8, RI.8.1, RI.8.8, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.8, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.SL.3

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.79 MB)

ADD TO CART

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The Unopened Letters: Critical Thinking Mystery Printable Activity

By Walton Burns

In this brainteaser riddle that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a man mails himself two letters after accepting a new job. When he recieves the letters, he glances at the envelopes, then throws them away without even opening them. Why

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.7.8, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.8, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.SL.4

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.89 MB)

ADD TO CART

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The Empty Safe: Critical Thinking Mystery Printable Activity

By Walton Burns

Subjects:

Social Studies - History, EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables

CCSS:

RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.8

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.70 MB)

ADD TO CART

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The Missing Jewels: Critical Thinking Mystery Printable Activity

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a bride's jewels go missing when she is changing in the church basement. There are two suspects, the garderner and the maintenance man. Can your students use reading

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, ESL / ELL / EFL, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool

Types:

Activities, Printables, Games

CCSS:

RL.7.1, RL.8.1, RL.9-10.1, RL.11-12.1, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.8

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.71 MB)

ADD TO CART

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Home Invasion Heist: Critical Thinking Mystery Printable Activity

By Walton Burns

In this mystery activity that encourages discussion and critical thinking, a millionaire has his mansion robbed. There are two suspects. Your students read the evidence and use their logic, critical thinking, and reading skills to figure out which

Subjects:

EFL - ESL - ELD, Critical Thinking, Reading Strategies

Grades:

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

Types:

Activities, Printables, Centers

$3.00

Digital Download PDF (0.71 MB)

ADD TO CART

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Ask Walton Burns a question. They will receive an automated email and will return to answer you as soon as possible. Please Login to ask your question.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

I'm a teacher and award-winning materials writer from Connecticut who began his career in 2001, teaching in the Peace Corps in the South Pacific. Since then, I've taught in Central Asia and in my native country. My students have been a diverse group, including Russian oil executives, Afghan high school students, and Chinese video game champions. As a writer, I've been on the author team of several textbooks and written lesson plans and activities for private language schools. I also self-publish books and ebooks and work as a publishing consultant for teachers who want to self-publish. For more information, including projects I've worked on, go to myportfolio site/blog.

Editorial Work

Co-author, Hang Out! by Compass Publishing. General ESL textbook for primary school students
Author, Inside Writing, a genre-based writing course book for Oxford University Press.
Grammar Editor, MasterMind series by Macmillian
Extensive materials development and course design for online schools, including Really English/New Horizons.
Assessment writing for OUP, Pearson, and SLTI.

MY TEACHING STYLE

I truly believe that communication is the goal of language teaching. Grammar is a toolbox to help students express themselves, not rules that need to be memorized. Vocabulary is a palette for students to work with creatively, not a list of words to be memorized. That's not to say that drilling and grammar banging don't have their place, but I teach for those moments when a student spontaneously expresses him or herself using new language and doesn't even realize it because he or she is so caught up in the conversation.

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

3rd place, BESIG and Cambridge University Press Lesson Plan Contest.
Winner, One Stop English Lesson Share.

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

BA from Sarah Lawrence College.
MA in International Development from The Heller School, Brandeis University
TESOL Core Certificate, TESOL, Inc.
12 Credits toward an MA in TESOL from Adelphi University.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Chair of the Materials Writer Interest Section of TESOL, Inc.
Freelance materials writer and editor for Pearson, Macmillan, OUP, Compass Publishing, and several international online schools.
Frequent Co-Moderator of the EVO: Creating the ePerfect eBook, a Massive Open Online Course on publishing educational materials online.
Blog at:English Advantage

GRADES

1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Staff, Not Grade Specific

SUBJECTS

English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Social Studies, World Languages, Arts & Music, Other (Performing Arts), Computer Science, ESL-EFL-ELL, ELA Test Prep, Other (Social Studies), Other (ELA), Life Skills, Religion, Critical Thinking, For All Subjects, Literature, Classroom Management, Study Skills, Instructional Technology, Library Skills, Criminal Justice - Law, Writing, Reading Strategies, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas-Chanukah-Kwanzaa, Mental Math, Halloween, Winter, The New Year, Valentine's Day, Spring, For All Subjects, For Administrators, Close Reading