The Mystery of the Dancing Man

Ages 5–8 · 18 minutes · English, Stories

Put on your puzzle-solving pants and help Sherlock tackle a new mystery!

Put on your puzzle-solving pants and help Sherlock tackle a new case! You'll scream, you'll dance, you'll...go to the bus station? Very mysterious indeed!

Part of

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
RL.K.4 — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

Alabama

ELA21.1.12 — Ask and answer questions about unfamiliar words and phrases in discussions and/or text.
ELA21.1.6a — Count, blend, segment, and delete syllables in spoken words, including polysyllabic words.
ELA21.2.9a — Add, delete, and substitute phonemes at the beginning, end, or middle of a spoken word made up of up to six phonemes and produce the resulting word.

Alaska

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
RF.K.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

Arizona

1.WF.2 — Demonstrate and apply sound-letter concepts.
2.L.4.c — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
1.RF.3 — Know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in decoding one-syllable or two-syllable words.

Arkansas

K.RC.11.RL — Explain how visual images support understanding of a text.
K.RC.6.RF — Use background knowledge and details, including illustrations, charts, and graphs, to make predictions and inferences about what happens in a text.
K.RC.2.RF — Answer questions about key details in a text.
K.RC.4.RF — Build general and academic vocabulary and background knowledge of age and grade-appropriate topics through discussion, reading, and writing.

California

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RL.1.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
RL.K.4 — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. (See grade K Language standards 4–6 for additional expectations.)

Colorado

RWC20-GR.K-S.2-GLE.1-EO.b.i — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
RWC20-GR.PS-S.2-GLE.2-EO.c — Identify and discriminate between sounds and phonemes in language, such as attention to beginning and ending sounds of words and recognition that different words begin or end with the same sound.
RWC20-GR.PS-S.2-GLE.2-EO.b — Identify and discriminate between separate syllables in words.

Connecticut

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.2.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

Delaware

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

Florida

ELA.1.F.1.3 — Use knowledge of grade-appropriate phonics and word-analysis skills to decode words accurately. • Decode words using knowledge of spelling-sound correspondences for common consonant digraphs, trigraphs, and blends. • Decode simple words with r-controlled vowels. • Decode and encode regularly spelled one-syllable words. • Decode words with inflectional endings. • Decode two-syllable words with regular patterns by breaking the words into syllables. • Decode words that use final –e and vowel teams to make long-vowel sound.
SC.K2.CS-CS.2.2 (Discontinued after 2024-2025) — Solve age-appropriate problems (e.g., puzzles and logical thinking programs) with or without technology (i.e., computational thinking).
ELA.2.F.1.3 — Use knowledge of grade-appropriate phonics and word-analysis skills to decode words. • Decode words with variable vowel teams (e.g., oo, ea, ou) and vowel diphthongs (e.g., oi, oy, ow). • Decode regularly spelled two-syllable words with long and short vowels. • Decode words with open (e.g., hi, baby, moment) and closed (e.g., bag, sunshine, chop) syllables and consonant -le (e.g., purple, circle, stumble). • Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes. • Decode words with silent letter combinations (e.g., knight, comb, island, ghost).

Georgia

ELAGSE1SL2 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
ELAGSE1RF3.b — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.
ELAGSE2L4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
ELAGSE2L4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).

Hawaii

2.L.4d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
K.RF.2b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
K.RF.3d — Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying the sounds of the letters that differ.

Idaho

K.FR.PA.2e — Add, substitute, and delete individual sounds (phonemes) in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.
1.VD.WB.1a — Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
2.RC.WB.1d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., backpack, backyard; flashlight, lighthouse).
1.FR.PA.2 — Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds.

Illinois

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.

Indiana

1.RC.1 — Ask and answer questions about the main idea and key details to clarify and confirm understanding of a text. (E)
1.RF.5 — Use letter-sound knowledge of single consonants (hard and soft sounds), short and long vowels, consonant blends and digraphs, vowel teams (e.g., ai) and digraphs, and r-controlled vowels to decode phonetically regular words (e.g., cat, go, black, boat, her), independent of context. (E)
1.RC.9 — Demonstrate comprehension that context clues (e.g., words and sentence clues) and text features (e.g., glossaries, illustrations) may be used to help understand unknown words.

Iowa

L.1.4.b — Use known individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.1.2.d — Segment spoken single-syllable words into their complete sequence of individual phonemes (sounds).
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
RF.1.3.b — Decode and encode regularly spelled one-syllable words with closed syllables and consonant blends.

Kansas

RI.2.11.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse).
RI.1.4 — Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
RF.1.3.b — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.

Kentucky

L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
L.K.4.a — Identify homophones.
L.1.5.b — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).

Louisiana

RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RL.K.4 — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

Maine

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
L.4.2.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
R.2.K.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
R.7.1.b — Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.

Maryland

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
RF.1.3.e — Decode two-syllable words following basic patterns by breaking the words into syllables.

Massachusetts

RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
L.K.5.c — Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., note places at school that are colorful).

Minnesota

0.1.1.1 — Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables and sounds (phonemes):
0.3.1.2 — Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media (e.g., poems, rhymes, songs) by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.
0.1.1.2 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words:
0.1.5.3 — Recognize the connection between illustrations and text.

Mississippi

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

Missouri

K.R.2.A.g — ask and answer questions about unknown words in text
1.RF.3.A.k — demonstrating decoding skills when reading

Montana

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
RL.1.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

Nebraska

LA.K.F.2.e — Delete part of a syllable within a spoken word including compound words (e.g., “Say ‘parsnip.’ Say it again but don’t say ‘par;’ e.g., “Say ‘cowboy.’ Say it again but don’t say ‘cow’”).
LA.1.F.3.a — Decode and encode words using knowledge of sound-spelling correspondence for common consonant digraphs, tri-graphs, and blends.
LA.2.V.2.a — Ask and answer questions about key words and phrases to determine their meaning.
LA.2.V.1.d — Determine the meaning of compound words by using knowledge of individual words (e.g., birdhouse).

Nevada

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

New Hampshire

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.2.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
RF.1.3.e — Decode two-syllable words following basic patterns by breaking the words into syllables.

New Jersey

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
L.2.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

New Mexico

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RI.1.4 — Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
RL.1.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

New York

1RF2a — Count, blend and segment single syllable words that include consonant blends.
2L4d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
2RF3 — Know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
KL5 — Explore and discuss word relationships and word meanings.

North Carolina

RF.K.3.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
L.1.4 — Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies: context clues, word parts and word relationships.
RF.K.4.a — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.

North Dakota

1.F.7 — Manipulate parts of spoken words.
1.F.7a — Delete initial and final phonemes or word parts.
1.F.6 — Blend four or more phonemes to produce a spoken word or syllable.
1.R.2 — Ask and answer questions about a variety of texts, genres, photographs, or illustrations before, during, and after shared reading or other text-listening experiences to compare, contrast, predict, or infer.
1.R.5 — Determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases through read-alouds or other text-listening experiences.

Ohio

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
L.2.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

Oklahoma

1.2.PA.1 — Students will count, segment, blend, and delete syllables in spoken words.
3.2.PA — Students will add, delete, substitute, and reverse phonemes in spoken words (e.g., add /g/ to the beginning of listen to say glisten; delete the /b/ in bridges to say ridges; substitute the /f/ in frighten with /b/ to say brighten; reverse the initial and final sounds in safe to say face).
2.2.PWS.3 — Students will decode words by applying knowledge of structural analysis: a. compound words b. inflectional endings (e.g., -s, -ed, -ing) c. contractions d. abbreviations e. common roots and related prefixes and suffixes *sequential skills

Oregon

K.RF.2f — Add, delete, and substitute individual phonemes in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.
1.L.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
K.RF.2b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.

Pennsylvania

CC.1.1.1.D — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. • Identify common consonant diagraphs, final-e, and common vowel teams. • Decode one- and two-syllable words with common patterns. • Read grade-level words with inflectional endings. • Read grade- appropriate irregularly spelled words.
CC.1.2.1.F — Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
CC.1.3.1.B — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

Rhode Island

L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
RL.K.4 — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. (See kindergarten Language standards 4–6 on applying knowledge of vocabulary to reading.)

South Carolina

ELA.1.F.1.4.INIS — Indicator Insights: Delete: “Say ‘rainbow.’ Say it again but don’t say ‘rain.’” Add: “Say ‘cow.’ Say it again and add ‘boy.’”
ELA.1.F.1.7.INIS — Indicator Insights: Delete: “Say ‘slap.’ Now say it again without the /s/.” Add: “Say ‘lap.’ Now say it again and add /s/.” Substitute: “Say ‘slap.’ Now say it again and change /sl/ to /tr/.”
ELA.K.AOR.7.1 — Determine the meaning of known and unknown words and phrases, choosing from an array of strategies: a. ask and answer questions about words and phrases to determine their meaning; and b. use words and phrases acquired through conversations, being read to, and responding to texts.
ELA.K.F.1.7 — Delete, add, and substitute the initial or final phonemes of a spoken CVC word.

South Dakota

2.L.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
1.RF.3.b — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.
K.L.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on kindergarten reading and content.
K.SL.2 — Confirm understanding from a source of information by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.

Tennessee

K.FL.VA.7.a — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on Kindergarten conversations, reading, and content.
1.FL.PWR.3.b — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.
1.FL.PWR.3.e — Decode two-syllable words following basic patterns by breaking the words into syllables.

Texas

K.2B.iii — recognizing that new words are created when letters are changed, added, or deleted such as it - pit - tip - tap; and
1.2B.ii — decoding words with initial and final consonant blends, digraphs, and trigraphs;
1.2B.iv — using knowledge of base words to decode common compound words and contractions;
1.7F — respond using newly acquired vocabulary as appropriate.

Utah

P4.R.2.d — Identify the base parts that make up a compound word.
1.R.3.g — Read age-appropriate compound words.

Vermont

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.2.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
RL.K.4 — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

Virginia

2.RV.1.A — Discuss meanings of new words or phrases acquired through conversations and literature.
2.RV.1.D — Use the context of a sentence to apply knowledge of homophones.
2.FFR.3.A — Decode and encode words with short vowels to include blends, digraphs, and trigraphs in closed syllables (CVCC, CCVC, CVCC, CCVCC, and CCVCCC) and open syllables (CV, CCV).

Washington

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RI.1.4 — Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
L.1.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.

Washington, D.C.

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
RF.K.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
RF.K.3.d — Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying the sounds of the letters that differ.

Wisconsin

ELA.K.RF.2.b — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
ELA.K.L.3.a — Ask and answer questions about unknown words.
ELA.K.L.2.a — Begin to recognize some words have multiple meanings (e.g., duck, tie).

Wyoming

L.2.4.d — Use knowledge of the meaning of individual words to predict the meaning of compound words (e.g., birdhouse, lighthouse, housefly; bookshelf, notebook, bookmark).
L.2.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
RL.K.4 — Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.