100% History Detectives
The Mysterious Molly P.
American Revolution
Miss Flash here…
In this book, Bella asks a great question: “Isn’t all history real?” Yes . . . and no. Confusing, right? Well, today’s story is about a woman who played a big role in the Revolutionary War. But is she real? Let’s find out together!
The directions on this page will guide you through the book, The Mysterious Molly P., and help you complete the activities in the Student Journal.
Ready for a Big Question?
Check out the Big Question video below. While you watch, see if you can find clues to answer the Big Question: How can we know if a story from history is true?
Before you read the book…
One of the things that all readers do is make predictions before and even while they read. Let’s see if you can practice your detective skills and use some clues in the book to make some predictions. Then, of course, we need to learn a few great new words if you plan to be a real historian!
Preview: Do the activity on Page 1 of your Student Journal. Can you get them all correct?
Social Studies Dictionary: Once again, Clio’s picked out four words that are important to our story. To add them to your vocabulary, do the activity on page 2 of your Student Journal.
Let’s read the book…
I love a good mystery. And the mystery of Molly P. has all the elements of a great mystery - a heroic main character, a bunch of clues that need examining, and some twists and turns along the way. Ready to read? Let’s do it!
Introduction and Chapter 1: After reading, complete page 3 in your Student Journal.
Chapter 2: After reading, complete page 4 of your Student Journal.
Hands-on History: A picture is worth a thousand words . . . it can also be evidence of history. Do the activity on pages 8 and 9 of your book to examine a historical image - and practice your history detective skills.
Chapter 3: After reading, complete the top of page 5 of your Student Journal.
Chapter 4: After reading, complete the bottom of page 5 in your Student Journal.
Paired Reading: Read the Paired Reading. As you read, think about why some stories in history are told more than other stories. Share your ideas with a friend or adult.
A final word from me, Miss Flash…
Do you agree with Amanda? Or do you have a different idea? To wrap up this story, watch this short video and think about the Big Question: How can we know if a story from history is true?
Let’s use what we’ve learned…
Like Molly Pitcher’s story, we all have stories to tell. Can you write a good story about your own life and leave enough clues that future historians will know it’s true? Give it a shot.
Processing: First, check your Preview answers on page 1 of your Student Journal. Then, follow the directions on page 6 to write a personal history.
Word Play Activity: Complete the activities on pages 7 and 8 to use word parts to create new words.
Assessment: Read the passage starting on page 9 and answer the questions that follow.
