Oh no! Santa’s cookies have gone missing from the North Pole kitchen! Your students become holiday detectives as they read clues, move around the room, and use critical thinking to discover who stole the cookies before Christmas Eve.

This festive mystery combines literacy, movement, and logic - a perfect low-prep December activity that keeps students engaged right before the holidays.

How It Works

1. Print and hide the 10 clue cards around your classroom.
   
2. Students use a clipboard and recording sheet to find and read each clue.
   
3. As they read, they eliminate suspects until they find the cookie thief!
   
4. Record the answer on the Detective Sheet and celebrate solving the case.

What’s Included:

✅ 10 Mystery Clue Cards (color + black & white)
✅ 5 Suspect Cards (Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elf, Rudolph, Gingerbread Man)
✅ Detective Recording Sheet
✅ Vocabulary List for ESL/ELL learners
✅ “Case Closed!” certificate (for student detectives)
✅ Teacher Directions + Setup Tips

Why Teachers Love It

• Print-and-go activity - minimal prep!
  
• Encourages student movement and engagement.
  
• Builds holiday excitement while still focusing on literacy.
  
• Adaptable for grades K–3 (or 4–5 ESL).
  
• Includes a vocabulary support sheet for English learners.