Who What Where Lesson Plan Who What Where Detective
Tier 3 Individual Intervention • 2nd Grade
Duration 15 MIN
Lesson Objective
Students will don detective badges and accurately answer simple who , what , and where questions using themed question cards, strengthening their reading comprehension and oral response skills.
Why This Matters
This targeted practice helps students focus on key question words, boosting comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence in discussing text details—critical foundations for fluent reading.
Prep Steps
• Print and cut out the Detective Badge for the student.
• Print and shuffle the Question Cards .
• Prepare the Recording Sheet and a pencil.
• Queue up a timer for a 15-minute countdown.
• Review the three question types to guide prompts.
Materials List
Detective Badge Template
Who What Where Question Cards
Detective Recording Sheet
Session Timer
Pencil & Detective Props (optional)
Instructional Steps
2m
1. Detective Briefing
Greet the student and explain their mission: to be a Reading Detective . Award and help the student wear their badge. Quickly review what “who,” “what,” and “where” questions ask (Person, Action/Thing, Place).
10m
2. Question Card Investigation
Start the timer. Present one card at a time. Ask the student to read (or listen to) the card and answer aloud. Record each response on the Recording Sheet.
Guiding Questions for Struggles:
“Who is the person in this sentence?”
“What happened?”
“Where did it take place?”
3m
3. Reflection & Reward
Review recorded answers together. Highlight successes and discuss any tricky cards. Celebrate the student’s detective work with verbal praise and let them keep the badge as a trophy!
Approach: Focused Detective-themed Q&A Practice for 2nd Grade Literacy Intervention
Detective Slide Deck Reading Mission
Who What Where
Detective
15-Minute Comprehension Mission
Welcome the student with excitement. Introduce the theme and set the tone for a fun mission.
Your Detective Mission
OBJECTIVE: Identify and answer the Who, What, and Where in each sentence card.
Explain the goal clearly so the student knows what success looks like.
Your Detective Tools
Official Badge
Question Cards
Recording Sheet
15-Min Timer
Top Secret
Show and distribute materials. Make sure the student can see each item.
Review Evidence Clues
Who
Asks about a Person .
Example:
"Who is wearing the hat?"
What
Asks about an Action or Thing .
Example:
"What did the cat chase?"
Where
Asks about a Place .
Example:
"Where is the dog sleeping?"
Quickly review each type. Ask the student to give an extra example.
Phase 1: Investigation
1
Put on your Detective Badge .
2
Start the 10-minute timer .
3
Draw a Question Card and read it aloud.
4
Record your answers on the Sheet .
Stuck?
Ask these clues:
• Who is the person?
• What happened?
• Where did it take place?
Guide the student through the drawing and recording process. Offer praise!
Case Solved!
Review your recorded answers.
Celebrate your success!
Use these words when reading at home.
Elite Detective
Review, celebrate, and discuss any tricky clues.
Detective Badge Activity Print & Cut Out
Official Badge Template
Detective
Reading Literacy Division
Detective Name
Badge Identification
REF-WHO-WHAT-WHERE
Mission: Solve reading mysteries by finding the Who, What, and Where clues.
Wear this badge proudly, Detective, as you solve reading mysteries!
Who
What
Where
Who What Where Question Cards Case Files
Who What Where Question Cards
Cut to Begin
CASE #01
Lily drew a colorful picture.
WHO: Who drew a colorful picture?
CASE #02
The cat chased a mouse.
WHAT: What did the cat chase?
CASE #03
They played soccer in the park.
WHERE: Where did they play soccer?
CASE #04
Detective Sam found a secret map.
WHAT: What did Detective Sam find?
CASE #05
Maria and Jose built a sandcastle.
WHO: Who built a sandcastle?
CASE #06
The puppy slept in its cozy bed.
WHERE: Where did the puppy sleep?
CASE #07
Grandma baked chocolate cookies.
WHAT: What did Grandma bake?
CASE #08
Max and Zoe rode the coaster.
WHO: Who rode the coaster?
CASE #09
The kids hid behind the big oak tree.
WHERE: Where did the kids hide?
Teacher Instructions: Read each sentence aloud and have the student identify the answer. Record responses on the detective log.
Detective Recording Sheet Detective Name:
Investigation Date:
Investigation
Report
REF-002-LITERACY
Record your findings from each Case Card below. Use clear evidence from the sentences!
01. Who drew a colorful picture?
02. What did the cat chase?
03. Where did they play soccer?
04. What did Detective Sam find?
05. Who built a sandcastle?
06. Where did the puppy sleep?
07. What did Grandma bake?
08. Who rode the roller coaster?
09. Where did the children hide?
Final Reflection
Which question was the trickiest? Why?
Case Evidence Verified
Detective Quick Quiz Quick Quiz
Pre-Mission Skills Check
Time Limit
03:00
Objective: Activate your detective skills by matching sentences to the right question word (WHO , WHAT , or WHERE ).
built the tall sandcastle?
did the cat chase?
did they play soccer?
found the secret map?
did the puppy sleep?
Oral Detective Check
Choose one sentence above. Ask the question aloud using the word you wrote, then answer it like a true professional!
Detective Case Conclusion Case Conclusion
Mission Final Report
"Thank you for your hard work, Detective! File your final report before you leave HQ."
01 Easiest question type (Who, What, Where)? Why?
02 Most challenging question type? Why?
03 How will you use these question words when reading at home?
Bonus Challenge
Write a new sentence below. Then ask and answer one WHO, WHAT, or WHERE question about it.
Sentence:
Question & Answer:
Great job, Detective! Keep your badge as a reminder of your reading powers.