Portfolio Post: Creating a Mystery Audiobook – Student Video Activities

Course: Language Arts

Topic: Mystery Writing & Digital Storytelling
Grade Level: 7 (Ages 12–13

Short Individual Video Activity – Mystery Story Voice Audition

Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate expressive reading and character interpretation by performing a passage from their original mystery story.

Activity Overview:
Students will record a 2-minute (or less) video of themselves reading a suspenseful excerpt from their own mystery story. They will focus on vocal expression, pacing, and tone to build suspense and bring their characters to life.

Software & Hardware:

  • Hardware: Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone with a microphone
  • Software: Flip (formerly Flipgrid) or Adobe Express Video

Platform for Sharing:
 Students will upload their videos to Flip or Google Classroom for peer and teacher feedback.

 

Substantial Team Video Project – Mystery Audiobook Production

Learning Outcome: Students will collaboratively produce an audiobook adaptation of their original mystery story, using voice acting and sound design to enhance storytelling.

Activity Overview:
Over two or more weeks, student teams will create a 5-15 minute audiobook adaptation of their mystery story. Each group will assign voice roles, record dialogue, add sound effects (e.g., footsteps, eerie music, door creaks), and incorporate visuals or captions to build atmosphere and tension.

Software & Hardware:

  • Hardware: School computers, tablets, or smartphones with microphones and headphones
  • Software: Audacity, or Soundtrap for audio editing, WeVideo or iMovie for final production

Platform for Sharing:
Completed audiobooks will be published on YouTube (with closed captions for accessibility) or shared via Google Drive/Classroom for a class showcase.

These activities will allow students to engage creatively with the mystery genre, develop storytelling and digital literacy skills, and explore the power of voice and sound in storytelling.