This 1st grade reading mystery is an easy-to-use zoo activity that both the teacher and student will enjoy! Students complete zoo themed 3 letter blends worksheets (trigraphs) while solving a mystery at the same time.
$6.00
This zoo phonics mystery 1st grade activity is a fun and engaging way to practice the skill: 3 letter blends! Designed as an escape room game, students solve clues that are interactive and exciting. These printable and digital phonics worksheets turn reading practice into an engaging mystery game for 1st grade. Use it during whole group, small groups with teacher support, or as part of a classroom transformation.
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Teachers want phonics practice that doesn’t feel boring or repetitive. This zoo phonics mystery transforms worksheets into a game where every clue solved brings students closer to discovering the culprit.
No prep required – just print and go
Fun storyline – solve a themed mystery
Differentiated options – two versions included
Flexible use – whole group, centers, or small groups
Digital version included – assign in Google Slides or Classroom
Introduce the Story – Tell students the premise; they’ll solve phonics clues to uncover the final answer.
Complete Worksheets – Each page practices 1st grade phonics skills.
Cross Off Suspects – Students eliminate options from their suspect list as they solve.
Reveal the Answer – When all clues are complete, the mystery is solved!
It’s that simple—no cutting, sorting, or prep beyond printing.
The zoo 1st grade worksheets (aka clues!) focus on:
Looking for differentiation? Each resource includes a bonus mystery focused on CVC words. While most of the class works on the main phonics skill, students who need extra practice with CVC words can complete this version instead. The bonus mystery is designed to look and feel exactly like the main one, with the same style of clues and the same final solution. This way, every student is engaged in the same mystery storyline, but the skill level can be adjusted to meet their needs seamlessly.
This 1st grade phonics activity comes in two formats:
Printable Worksheets (PDF) – Great for whole-class lessons, small groups, or literacy centers.
Digital Google Slides Version – Easy to assign in Google Classroom and great for schools with limited printing.
Both options save you prep time and keep students engaged.
Two versions of the mystery: 1st grade phonics skill OR review CVC words
3-clue and 5-clue options for differentiation
Printable PDFs + digital Google Slides (downloadable to PowerPoint)
Recording sheets, suspect list, certificate of completion
Fast-finisher directed drawing activities
There are many ways to use this zoo phonics mystery 1st grade activity:
Whole Group: Solve the mystery together as a class.
Small Groups: Use at the back table for guided reading instruction.
Fast Finishers: Early finishers can complete a certificate or themed directed drawing.
Classroom Transformation: Create a phonics escape room day without hours of decorating.
This zoo mystery goes beyond worksheets—it turns phonics into a memorable experience.
Print-and-go with no prep
Builds decoding, blending, and phonemic awareness skills
Keeps students engaged with a fun theme
Covers 1st grade phonics standards
Reading mysteries aren’t just math mysteries with different worksheets—they’re completely new!
Brand-new phonics-based clues
Unique mystery conclusions
Skills focused on reading, not math
The only shared piece reading mysteries have with math mysteries is the suspect list at the start. Students can enjoy solving both math and reading mysteries for double the fun!
Do these come with 3 clues or 5 clues?
Both! There are 2 versions so you can use the version that works best with your class. Or, you could differentiate and use the 3 clue version with some students and the 5 clue version with other groups. Both versions lead to the same conclusion/culprit, ensuring that students will not be aware of the different leveled assignments.
Are the phonics mysteries the same as the math mysteries?
No—phonics and grammar mysteries are completely different! They use their own set of clues, target grammar or phonics skills, and end with a unique conclusion. The only shared piece is the starting list of suspects, but each mystery reveals a different culprit. Check out the preview to see the differences in detail—you can absolutely purchase both and enjoy solving the mystery twice!
Is a digital version included?
Yes! The digital version is available in Google Slides and the link is included in the printable PDF. You can download the Google Slides to use in PowerPoint if needed as well.
Why do the main mystery and the extra mystery look the same?
The main mystery and the extra mystery feature the same clues but focus on different skills. This design ensures that students of varying abilities can work on different mysteries without realizing they are tackling different challenges.
What should students do if they finish early?
A fast finisher directed drawing activity (6 unique drawings to choose from) is included for students who finish early! There is also a certificate of completion for every student. You could also have students work on incomplete assignments or read a book.
Will my students need support?
Yes. 1st grade students will need teacher guidance to read and work through the clues.
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Planning to use this resource with more than one teacher or classroom?
Many teachers work closely with grade-level teams or teaching partners, and it’s important that resources are shared in a way that respects the creator’s rights. Each teacher who wishes to use this resource must purchase their own license through their own account. If you’d like information about grade-level licensing, feel free to contact me directly at li***********************@***il.com for details on group pricing.
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Copyright © The Lifetime Learner, INC. All rights reserved. This resource is for use by the original purchaser only. It may not be copied, shared, or distributed for use by multiple teachers, classrooms, departments, schools, or districts. Uploading this file to any shared drives or public websites is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use is a violation of copyright law and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Graphics and elements included are licensed for use within this product only and may not be used separately. For personal and single-classroom use only.
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