The write start - Jennifer Hallissy 2010

Treasure Hunt
Guidelines for the Activities

THERE’S NO BETTER WAY to turn a dull day into a delight than by creating an impromptu treasure hunt. Around here, anytime we have something a little special to give someone, we secret it away, and then get to work writing and hiding hints to locate it. The way we look at it, the only thing better than getting an unexpected gift is finding it by following clever clues. Hunting for the booty is irresistibly fun; it’s worth its weight in gold!

MATERIALS

∗ little trinket, treasure, or fun object

∗ scrap paper

∗ pencil

HOW-TO

1. The best way to organize a treasure hunt is by working backward. First, hide the treasure.

2. Next, write a clue to lead someone to the spot where the treasure is hidden. Then, hide this clue.

3. Write a clue that leads someone to the spot where you hid the last clue. Continue hiding and writing clues until you feel you are finished. Hand the last clue you write to the person whom you are sending on the hunt.

Variations

For Scribblers: Pre-writers can get into the treasure hunt spirit (and give their little fingers a workout) by helping to fold up the clues nice and small.

For Spellers: Spellers can write simple, one-word clues, such as “couch,” “bed,” “bathtub,” or “closet.”

For Storytellers: Storytellers can write more detailed clues, such as “Go to your bookshelf. Look inside your favorite book.”

For Scholars: Scholars can write clues in the form of riddles: “Look behind something soft, fuzzy, and bear-shaped that lives on your bed.”