Nonfiction Reading Escape Room | Informational Text Digital ELA Test Prep Escape Room

This immersive digital escape room combines nonfiction reading, informational text analysis, test prep, and critical thinking into a highly engaging learning experience that students describe as feeling more like a video game than a lesson. As students explore a mysterious mansion filled with stolen masterpieces, they'll read informational texts, analyze evidence, decode clues, and apply essential ELA skills while strengthening the nonfiction reading skills commonly assessed on state exams and standardized tests.

Perfect for middle school and high school ELA classrooms, test prep, informational text units, reading intervention, enrichment, and review lessons, this no-prep digital escape room transforms nonfiction reading practice into an experience students won't forget.

The Story

You've arrived at a crumbling mansion on a remote island, only to discover it is filled with some of the world's most famous stolen works of art.

If you're caught inside, authorities may assume you're part of the crime.

To escape, you'll need to investigate a series of famous art heists, read informational texts, analyze clues, and solve puzzles hidden throughout the mansion.

Can you uncover the secrets and find your way out before it's too late?

Why Teachers Love It

• Makes informational text practice engaging and interactive
• Reinforces key nonfiction reading skills
• Encourages critical thinking and problem solving
• Perfect for test prep and review
• No prep required
• Self-checking activities keep students motivated
• Ideal for partner work and small-group collaboration

Skills Practiced

• Informational Text Analysis
• Vocabulary in Context
• Text Features
• Infographics
• Text Evidence
• Reading Comprehension
• Text Structure
• Chronology and Sequence
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving

Students Investigate

• The Gardner Museum Heist
• The Theft of the Mona Lisa
• The Swedish Art Heist
• The Theft of Van Gogh's The Parsonage

Each article serves as the foundation for a puzzle that requires students to apply nonfiction reading skills to unlock the next clue.

Includes

• Fully Immersive 360° Digital Escape Room
• Teacher Guide and Answer Key
• Interactive Informational Text Activities
• Vocabulary Challenge
• Text Features and Infographic Analysis
• Text Evidence Investigation
• Reading Comprehension Quiz
• Text Structure and Chronology Activities
• Digital Notes Sheet
• Self-Checking Activities

Bonus Experiences

• Virtual Visit to the Gardner Museum
• Explore the Louvre and the Mona Lisa
• Interactive 3D Artwork Exploration
• Up-Close Views of Famous Stolen Paintings
• Additional Art History Connections

Perfect For

• Informational Text Units
• Nonfiction Reading Practice
• Reading Test Prep
• Middle School ELA
• High School ELA
• STAAR Prep
• State Test Review
• Reading Intervention
• Early Finishers
• Sub Plans

What Teachers Are Saying

★★★★★ "WOW! This was like a video game! My kids loved it. We skipped the infographic one because that's not one of the standards I teach but WOW. Definitely a multi-day assignment. Have them work in groups." — Nia D.

★★★★★ "This was an easy no-prep lesson for me to give my students in preparation for their STAAR test. They struggled in the beginning, but they were engaged the entire class period. I love it!" — Amber A.

Teacher Tip

This escape room is designed to encourage students to read closely, follow directions, and discover information independently. While students may be tempted to ask for answers, the clues they need are embedded throughout the articles and activities. For the best experience, consider having students work in pairs or small groups to encourage collaboration and discussion.