Jason Reynolds didn't read a book until he was almost 18. At 35, his prolific run of best-sellers are inspiring new generations to reimagine their future.
Long Way Down, a Favorite Among Teen Readers. How to create a compelling teaching unit. Inspiration, tips, and resources.
Save time with this no-prep, printable webquest, which features worksheets that enlighten students on the remarkable life of JASON REYNOLDS, best known as the author of the Track series, including Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu. This 9-page printable resource includes 50 questions to help students learn more about Jason Reynolds. Depending on your class time and your individual students, you can . . . assign students to find all the answers or divide the questions and let students teach each other as they discover the answers. You might also . . . direct students to the Reynolds quotations at the end of the resource and ask them to use critical thinking to determine how they would fill in the missing words; then compare and contrast what they composed to what Reynolds wrote. ask students to choose one of the Reynolds quotations and then explain orally or in written form why they agree or disagree with it. An answer key is included. Click here to grab your copy of this handy resource for your middle school, high school, homeschool, or developmental college classes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To learn about new Class Act Press resources, discounts, and freebies, just follow me. Find my picture at the top right of any page in my store. To the right of the picture is a star with “Follow Me” beside it. Click on the star, and I’ll send you customized updates about this store. Do you want credit for future TPT purchases? Just provide feedback for resources you purchase. Click on the “provide feedback” button next to your purchases, rate the resource, and leave a short comment. (You need to do both to earn credits.) You receive 1 TPT credit for each dollar you spend, and you can spend it just like cash on future Teachers Pay Teachers purchases. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Here are other Class Act Press WEBQUESTS your students can enjoy: Literature: Ray Bradbury Geoffrey Chaucer Sandra Cisneros Charles Dickens Emily Dickinson Frederick Douglass F. Scott Fitzgerald Ralph Ellison Nathaniel Hawthorne Ernest Hemingway O. Henry Zora Neale Hurston Langston Hughes Shirley Jackson Martin Luther King I HAVE A DREAM Speech Harper Lee Jack London Cormac McCarthy Webquest Arthur Miller Toni Morrison George Orwell Rick Riordan William Shakespeare Mary Shelley Gary Soto John Steinbeck J. R. R. Tolkien Mark Twain Kurt Vonnegut Alice Walker Booker T. Washington Elie Wiesel The Women of HIDDEN FIGURES History: The Six Wives of Henry VIII Julius Caesar Paul Revere Six Famous WWI Fighter Aces Lewis and Clark Expedition Suffrage Movement Black Heroes of the American Revolution Winston Churchill Christopher Columbus Jamestown Colony Pearl Harbor Heroics The Black Plague Underground Railroad George Washington WWI Battlefield Poets WWI American Heroes WWII Covert Operations The Oregon Trail
This Long Way Down review explains how powerful this Jason Reynolds novel can be in your classroom, as an independent reading choice or a whole class novel.
Bookmarks for All American Boys: A Delightful Teaching Adjunct Purposefully designed for educators focusing on initiates in grades 9 through 12, Bookmarks for All American Boys is a critical tool that can make reading more engaging and enjoyable for their students. This free resource centers around the highly acclaimed book All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely , offering an effective approach to stimulating student interaction with the literature. The Pack Components: The pack comprises eight distinctive bookmarks, each carrying a unique design. Nouveau educators have access to four of these designs in both black-and-white format and color – providing flexibility suitable to varied lessons or student preferences. Inclusivity of two different designs for the back of the bookmark – catering both to aesthetics and practicality. Expanding Utility: The use isn't restricted to individual reader handouts. It spans across whole group activities or as half-term homework assignments—enticing active outside-of-classroom participation from students. Moreover, it's not subject-specific - seamlessly blending into diverse modules. File Compatibility: Delivered in PDF form ensures compatibility with most devices used by teachers daily. Hence, easily accessible - be it while preparing lesson plans at home or working from school premises. Note: Bookmarks For All American Boys are non-editable; they maintain their original elegant design without any compromise on quality throughout use. Fostering Positivity and Fanning Love for Literature Elegantly crafted lesson supplements do much more than just marking page numbers—they assist teachers in imparting memorable lessons and stimulate a love for literature. They also foster positivity among struggling students by providing visual cues that trigger connections leading to an ease in understanding complex literary concepts. Bookmarks for All American Boys
Guides by Deb – Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.
Happy Monday! I am honored to share the cover for Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remi...
Whether you're teaching in a classroom or a busy homeschool mom, it can be challenging to figure out where to start. Whether you have a question about how to support learners with behavior needs, where to find the best games to practice math facts, or just need some great book recommendations, I've got you covered.
Getting ready to teach a novel unit on Ghost by Jason Reynolds? All of the resources you need to teach this first book in the Track Series are included in this unique unit. This novel study breaks Ghost into 15 approachable sections, allowing you to provide students with a rich and engaging literature experience that doesn't overwhelm struggling or reluctant learners. The Ghost Novel Study includes comprehension questions, text-based vocabulary activities, graphic organizers, and more. UNIT TEXT: Ghost by Jason Reynolds LEVEL: 5th-7th UNIT LENGTH: 3 weeks (15 lessons) With this Ghost Novel Unit, you'll have a new approach to your next book study. Your students will get more out of their reading experience and enjoy doing it too! With all the standards-aligned practice, vocabulary building, and comprehension skills built into a student-friendly trifold format it's never been easier to use this National Book Award Finalist in your lesson plans. This is such a great book for students to read and discuss, and this novel study pack has everything you need to make it an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Your download includes: • Teacher's Guide - helpful tips, unit plan, key academic vocabulary, and answer keys to help you use this resource • Ghost Daily Comprehension Question(s) - with each day focused on a standards-based comprehension skill (including commonly used graphic organizers) • Ghost Vocabulary- a target vocabulary word from each day's reading for students to define and practice using in context • Answer keys Skills addressed: ✔ Analyze Author's Craft - Hook ✔ Foreshadowing ✔ Inferring ✔ Cause & Effect ✔ Analyzing Characters & their Relationships ✔ Point of View ✔ Problem & Solution ✔ Text Quote Analysis And so much more! Please note: Your order will be provided as a downloadable PDF file.
In this lesson, classrooms take a close look at sneaker culture and how sneakers are used as a symbol in Jason Reynolds' Ghost. By presenting students with the way in which sneakers are viewed in popular culture, students will bring background information to critically think about why Reynolds chose sneakers as an important symbol in Ghost.
Are you teaching Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and looking for high-interest response to literature activities? Download my Long Way Down Stations Activities resource for six engaging post-reading activities to implement after you've read the novel. This resource is available both as a printable P...
This work celebrates and critically examines the work of eleven acclaimed African American authors who began publishing Young Adult Literature in earnest since 2000.
High school ELA students are fascinated by Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down and engaged by this introduction, reading and discussion guide, with compelling analytical and creative activities. Even the most reluctant readers are drawn in by the unique format, compelling characters, and enthralling conflict of this popular young adult book. Pair the book with an equally amazing podcast and interesting, insightful activities and you and your students have a memorable ELA unit. Includes answer key and scoring rubrics. First, PODCAST LISTENING ACTIVITY This American Life-Harper High School Enhance students’ listening skills Introduce students to a new form of literacy This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast. This activity addresses the two-part broadcast titled “Harper High School.” These episodes recount reporters’ visits to this Chicago high school where, in 2012 alone, 29 recent and current students were shot. Students are introduced to an environment where everyone is a member of a gang simply by living in a particular neighborhood. They meet the courageous students, families, faculty, and staff that help each other survive and cope. This resource includes: Cover page: “Why listen to podcasts?” Quote from a communications professor about reading and listening, and the value of podcasts Four questions about podcasts and their experiences with this form of literacy Teaching Tips: a table of contents with corresponding time durations Tips about presenting the podcast in the classroom and pacing suggestions Student Activity: Eight pages addressing each act of the podcast Each page has a blank space for “Your Observations, Doodles, Questions, Thoughts” Questions and tasks for students to complete while listening to the podcast Appealing format with boxes and graphics where students write responses Designed to promote more attentive listening, the tasks are spaced out throughout the act, so kids aren’t distracted by having to respond to questions Most kids wait until the end of the podcast then return to complete the tasks from memory or by referring to the transcript. Each page has an engaging format and relevant graphics. Culminating Activities After Listening to the Podcast: Students choose from seven analytical or creative prompts to demonstrate their understanding of the information in the podcast. Key: Answers to objective questions and anticipated responses for subjective questions. I do not include a transcript of the podcast; however, it is available through the website. Please have a look at the complete resource by tapping the green box marked, “View Preview.” Second, LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds Comprehension and Analysis Activity and Project In LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds, students explore the cycle of gun violence and the theme of revenge while experiencing the beauty and effect of skillfully- crafted poetry. This comprehensive 50-page resource includes everything you need to provide students with an engaging learning experience, focused on a compelling topic, and presented in a unique format. Included: Brief author biography Jason Reynold’s “10 Things I’ve Been Meaning to Say to You” with 11 reflection/discussion questions Nine questions to discuss after viewing Trevor Noah’s author interview A brief introduction to the book with a teaser Sixteen pages of comprehension and analysis tasks: 4 pages for Floor 8, and 2 pages for each subsequent floor (chapter) Identical page answer keys with detailed answers A collaborative project with eight activities A scoring rubric for the project A completed example to model expectations for the project. A page of Teaching Tips to assure success in your classroom. Clear fonts and format Engaging graphics Space is provided for student responses. Please click the preview to see the resource. Printable PDF or TPT Digital Easel Activity Next, The “Character’s Phone” creative characterization activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down is a fabulous, and relevant way to assess students' understanding of characterization! Kids love their phones! This activity has them imagine a character’s phone’s apps, their favorite entertainment, shopping, news, social media, and other indulgences. No-prep! The directions for the activity are as follows: CHOOSE A CHARACTER (Will or a ghost) Imagine your character in the present. What would this character have on his or her phone? What image or graphic would your character upload to the home screen? Choose apps from the categories: ENTERTAINMENT, SOCIAL MEDIA, SHOPPING, NEWS, AND SELF-INDULGENCES Complete the illustration/discussion component for each (150-225 words per category). Be sure to accurately represent the character’s traits demonstrated in the literature. I’ve included a completed activity using Beneatha from A Raisin in the Sun with suggestions for how to use the example to model expectations. _____________________________________________ There are many ways to use this Character's Phone activity in your classroom. Consider offering kids the following choices or choose one for the entire class: Poster/Collage: This is a great way for the artists in the class to demonstrate their knowledge of the god or goddess while demonstrating mad art skills. Provide kids with a poster board that they can section off for each component of the activity. Completed projects can be displayed for a gallery walk. A variation of this strategy is to offer students old magazines (that pile left over in the library from days gone by) or have students print images from the internet to glue onto poster boards. They also include the written portion next to their graphics. Hard Copy: Students can create a cover with the phone template and devote a page to each of the components of the activity. I’ve done this often with great success. I then devote some class time to passing them around to appreciate classmates’ work. Digital Copy: You can push the activity out to students so that they can complete the tasks on the computer or devices in whatever format they or you choose (docs, slides, PowerPoint) and submit digitally. These are easily shared with the class as well. Collaborative Presentation: I recently had my seniors complete this activity for Othello in collaborative groups. They all contributed to a slide presentation. It was fabulous because for each component they provided links that took the class to music videos, movie clips, newscasts, etc. It was quite engaging and so much fun! The kids really love this project, and I get awesome results. Another creative formative assessment activity is the one-pager. STUDENTS love to express their understanding of literature in creative ways. This one-pager activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down allows you to assess students understanding of characterization, theme, and symbolism through an activity that even the reluctant readers enjoy. Students receive: instructions template scoring rubric The template has a frame labeled "Theme" where students write a theme from the novel then illustrate and comment on the theme in the space. Character blocks on the template are labeled with characters including Will and his mom and all of the ghosts. Students write and cite a quote about the character then illustrate the character's traits in the box. A box devoted to symbolism instructs students to choose a symbol and depict it in the box using pictures and words. I've included a completed example of the activity and a discussion of why I chose my quotes, pictures, and words. I've also included some teaching tips. This activity is a PDF and can be printed and used in class or pushed out to student devices to be printed or completed digitally. Thank you for your consideration of this resource. Another resource that you may be interested in is the All American Boys unit, also by Jason Reynolds with Brendan Kiely. ALL AMERICAN BOYS UNIT ____________________________________________ Connect with me… To follow my store and receive notifications about new resources and store sales, click below: FOLLOW O SOME GREAT STUFF FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS TPT STORE Follow me anywhere and everywhere… FACEBOOK PINTEREST INSTAGRAM BLOG Subscribe to my monthly newsletter AND receive a valuable free resource; click below: MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Have a pleasant day! Lori O
In this lesson, students will examine how Jason Reynolds uses symbolism of sunflower seeds in the book Ghost. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify, analyze, and demonstrate understanding of the symbolism of sunflower seeds, and the differences between the literal and figurative meaning of sunflower seeds in the book.
High school ELA students are fascinated by Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down and engaged by this introduction, reading and discussion guide, with compelling analytical and creative activities. Even the most reluctant readers are drawn in by the unique format, compelling characters, and enthralling conflict of this popular young adult book. Pair the book with an equally amazing podcast and interesting, insightful activities and you and your students have a memorable ELA unit. Includes answer key and scoring rubrics. First, PODCAST LISTENING ACTIVITY This American Life-Harper High School Enhance students’ listening skills Introduce students to a new form of literacy This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast. This activity addresses the two-part broadcast titled “Harper High School.” These episodes recount reporters’ visits to this Chicago high school where, in 2012 alone, 29 recent and current students were shot. Students are introduced to an environment where everyone is a member of a gang simply by living in a particular neighborhood. They meet the courageous students, families, faculty, and staff that help each other survive and cope. This resource includes: Cover page: “Why listen to podcasts?” Quote from a communications professor about reading and listening, and the value of podcasts Four questions about podcasts and their experiences with this form of literacy Teaching Tips: a table of contents with corresponding time durations Tips about presenting the podcast in the classroom and pacing suggestions Student Activity: Eight pages addressing each act of the podcast Each page has a blank space for “Your Observations, Doodles, Questions, Thoughts” Questions and tasks for students to complete while listening to the podcast Appealing format with boxes and graphics where students write responses Designed to promote more attentive listening, the tasks are spaced out throughout the act, so kids aren’t distracted by having to respond to questions Most kids wait until the end of the podcast then return to complete the tasks from memory or by referring to the transcript. Each page has an engaging format and relevant graphics. Culminating Activities After Listening to the Podcast: Students choose from seven analytical or creative prompts to demonstrate their understanding of the information in the podcast. Key: Answers to objective questions and anticipated responses for subjective questions. I do not include a transcript of the podcast; however, it is available through the website. Please have a look at the complete resource by tapping the green box marked, “View Preview.” Second, LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds Comprehension and Analysis Activity and Project In LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds, students explore the cycle of gun violence and the theme of revenge while experiencing the beauty and effect of skillfully- crafted poetry. This comprehensive 50-page resource includes everything you need to provide students with an engaging learning experience, focused on a compelling topic, and presented in a unique format. Included: Brief author biography Jason Reynold’s “10 Things I’ve Been Meaning to Say to You” with 11 reflection/discussion questions Nine questions to discuss after viewing Trevor Noah’s author interview A brief introduction to the book with a teaser Sixteen pages of comprehension and analysis tasks: 4 pages for Floor 8, and 2 pages for each subsequent floor (chapter) Identical page answer keys with detailed answers A collaborative project with eight activities A scoring rubric for the project A completed example to model expectations for the project. A page of Teaching Tips to assure success in your classroom. Clear fonts and format Engaging graphics Space is provided for student responses. Please click the preview to see the resource. Printable PDF or TPT Digital Easel Activity Next, The “Character’s Phone” creative characterization activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down is a fabulous, and relevant way to assess students' understanding of characterization! Kids love their phones! This activity has them imagine a character’s phone’s apps, their favorite entertainment, shopping, news, social media, and other indulgences. No-prep! The directions for the activity are as follows: CHOOSE A CHARACTER (Will or a ghost) Imagine your character in the present. What would this character have on his or her phone? What image or graphic would your character upload to the home screen? Choose apps from the categories: ENTERTAINMENT, SOCIAL MEDIA, SHOPPING, NEWS, AND SELF-INDULGENCES Complete the illustration/discussion component for each (150-225 words per category). Be sure to accurately represent the character’s traits demonstrated in the literature. I’ve included a completed activity using Beneatha from A Raisin in the Sun with suggestions for how to use the example to model expectations. _____________________________________________ There are many ways to use this Character's Phone activity in your classroom. Consider offering kids the following choices or choose one for the entire class: Poster/Collage: This is a great way for the artists in the class to demonstrate their knowledge of the god or goddess while demonstrating mad art skills. Provide kids with a poster board that they can section off for each component of the activity. Completed projects can be displayed for a gallery walk. A variation of this strategy is to offer students old magazines (that pile left over in the library from days gone by) or have students print images from the internet to glue onto poster boards. They also include the written portion next to their graphics. Hard Copy: Students can create a cover with the phone template and devote a page to each of the components of the activity. I’ve done this often with great success. I then devote some class time to passing them around to appreciate classmates’ work. Digital Copy: You can push the activity out to students so that they can complete the tasks on the computer or devices in whatever format they or you choose (docs, slides, PowerPoint) and submit digitally. These are easily shared with the class as well. Collaborative Presentation: I recently had my seniors complete this activity for Othello in collaborative groups. They all contributed to a slide presentation. It was fabulous because for each component they provided links that took the class to music videos, movie clips, newscasts, etc. It was quite engaging and so much fun! The kids really love this project, and I get awesome results. Another creative formative assessment activity is the one-pager. STUDENTS love to express their understanding of literature in creative ways. This one-pager activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down allows you to assess students understanding of characterization, theme, and symbolism through an activity that even the reluctant readers enjoy. Students receive: instructions template scoring rubric The template has a frame labeled "Theme" where students write a theme from the novel then illustrate and comment on the theme in the space. Character blocks on the template are labeled with characters including Will and his mom and all of the ghosts. Students write and cite a quote about the character then illustrate the character's traits in the box. A box devoted to symbolism instructs students to choose a symbol and depict it in the box using pictures and words. I've included a completed example of the activity and a discussion of why I chose my quotes, pictures, and words. I've also included some teaching tips. This activity is a PDF and can be printed and used in class or pushed out to student devices to be printed or completed digitally. Thank you for your consideration of this resource. Another resource that you may be interested in is the All American Boys unit, also by Jason Reynolds with Brendan Kiely. ALL AMERICAN BOYS UNIT ____________________________________________ Connect with me… To follow my store and receive notifications about new resources and store sales, click below: FOLLOW O SOME GREAT STUFF FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS TPT STORE Follow me anywhere and everywhere… FACEBOOK PINTEREST INSTAGRAM BLOG Subscribe to my monthly newsletter AND receive a valuable free resource; click below: MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Have a pleasant day! Lori O
Long Way Down, a Favorite Among Teen Readers. How to create a compelling teaching unit. Inspiration, tips, and resources.
Do you need a time-saving way to assess students after reading Long Way Down? This printable test for Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds covers novel characters, reading comprehension, and poetry terms. There are eight matching questions, 19 multiple choice questions, and an optional short answer analysis question. An answer key is included. There is no prep for you, and it's easy to use. Just print and go! Save 20% by buying the full novel unit. Click here to check it out! Long Way Down Printable Resources: Long Way Down Pre-Reading Carousel Discussion FREE Long Way Down Time Tracking Bookmark Long Way Down Student Workbook Long Way Down Analysis Activities Long Way Down Test Long Way Down Printable Novel Unit Long Way Down Mega Bundle Long Way Down Digital Resources: Digital Long Way Down Student Workbook Long Way Down Digital Test Long Way Down Digital Analysis Activities Long Way Down Digital Novel Unit Long Way Down Mega Bundle Long Way Down Digital Quotation Activity ALL Long Way Down Resources (Digital and Printable): Long Way Down Mega Bundle Let's Connect! Write and Read Blog Write and Read on Instagram Write and Read on Pinterest Write and Read on Facebook Click here to follow my store for news about product updates and sales!
I have no doubt Jason Reynolds belongs on your bookshelf, and I hope you'll be able to find a place for him in your literature circles, First Chapter Fridays, and full class curriculum too! Check out these four wonderful and different works by Jason Reynolds.
As a kid, the lyrics of Queen Latifah inspired him to become a writer
For Everyone by Jason Reynolds is written in an engaging poetry format. Jason provides input on growing up through his personal reflections.
Young adult author Jason Reynolds is determined to get reluctant readers to read
Getting ready to teach a novel unit on Ghost by Jason Reynolds? All of the resources you need to teach this first book in the Track Series are included in this unique unit. This novel study breaks Ghost into 15 approachable sections, allowing you to provide students with a rich and engaging literature experience that doesn't overwhelm struggling or reluctant learners. The Ghost Novel Study includes comprehension questions, text-based vocabulary activities, graphic organizers, and more. UNIT TEXT: Ghost by Jason Reynolds LEVEL: 5th-7th UNIT LENGTH: 3 weeks (15 lessons) With this Ghost Novel Unit, you'll have a new approach to your next book study. Your students will get more out of their reading experience and enjoy doing it too! With all the standards-aligned practice, vocabulary building, and comprehension skills built into a student-friendly trifold format it's never been easier to use this National Book Award Finalist in your lesson plans. This is such a great book for students to read and discuss, and this novel study pack has everything you need to make it an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Your download includes: • Teacher's Guide - helpful tips, unit plan, key academic vocabulary, and answer keys to help you use this resource • Ghost Daily Comprehension Question(s) - with each day focused on a standards-based comprehension skill (including commonly used graphic organizers) • Ghost Vocabulary- a target vocabulary word from each day's reading for students to define and practice using in context • Answer keys Skills addressed: ✔ Analyze Author's Craft - Hook ✔ Foreshadowing ✔ Inferring ✔ Cause & Effect ✔ Analyzing Characters & their Relationships ✔ Point of View ✔ Problem & Solution ✔ Text Quote Analysis And so much more! Please note: Your order will be provided as a downloadable PDF file.
This is a companion for Ghost, a novel by Jason Reynolds. Included are: ►Silent read-around prereading activity ►24 high-level question discussion cards, with possible answer key, that cover ideas such as: character traits symbolism author's craft theme character motivations setting conflicts ►Comprehension activities and worksheets that cover -setting -sequence of events -theme -character traits -writing long and strong about an idea -vocabulary -mood/atmosphere Other Products You May Enjoy: ⭐ Discussion Task Cards for Any Fiction Novel ⭐ George by Alex Gino Discussion Cards and Novel Study ⭐ How To Read Graphic Novels ⭐ Reading Review Games (for state reading test or end of year review) ⭐ The Last Kids on Earth Discussion Cards and Novel Study
This activity is designed to help students understand and identify the six elements of a plotline through one chapter in Ghost by Jason Reynolds.For more ELA lessons (including more on Ghost) and easy browsing through over 600 resources by literature titles, themes, and skills, please click here to ...
High school ELA students are fascinated by Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down and engaged by this introduction, reading and discussion guide, with compelling analytical and creative activities. Even the most reluctant readers are drawn in by the unique format, compelling characters, and enthralling conflict of this popular young adult book. Pair the book with an equally amazing podcast and interesting, insightful activities and you and your students have a memorable ELA unit. Includes answer key and scoring rubrics. First, PODCAST LISTENING ACTIVITY This American Life-Harper High School Enhance students’ listening skills Introduce students to a new form of literacy This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast. This activity addresses the two-part broadcast titled “Harper High School.” These episodes recount reporters’ visits to this Chicago high school where, in 2012 alone, 29 recent and current students were shot. Students are introduced to an environment where everyone is a member of a gang simply by living in a particular neighborhood. They meet the courageous students, families, faculty, and staff that help each other survive and cope. This resource includes: Cover page: “Why listen to podcasts?” Quote from a communications professor about reading and listening, and the value of podcasts Four questions about podcasts and their experiences with this form of literacy Teaching Tips: a table of contents with corresponding time durations Tips about presenting the podcast in the classroom and pacing suggestions Student Activity: Eight pages addressing each act of the podcast Each page has a blank space for “Your Observations, Doodles, Questions, Thoughts” Questions and tasks for students to complete while listening to the podcast Appealing format with boxes and graphics where students write responses Designed to promote more attentive listening, the tasks are spaced out throughout the act, so kids aren’t distracted by having to respond to questions Most kids wait until the end of the podcast then return to complete the tasks from memory or by referring to the transcript. Each page has an engaging format and relevant graphics. Culminating Activities After Listening to the Podcast: Students choose from seven analytical or creative prompts to demonstrate their understanding of the information in the podcast. Key: Answers to objective questions and anticipated responses for subjective questions. I do not include a transcript of the podcast; however, it is available through the website. Please have a look at the complete resource by tapping the green box marked, “View Preview.” Second, LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds Comprehension and Analysis Activity and Project In LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds, students explore the cycle of gun violence and the theme of revenge while experiencing the beauty and effect of skillfully- crafted poetry. This comprehensive 50-page resource includes everything you need to provide students with an engaging learning experience, focused on a compelling topic, and presented in a unique format. Included: Brief author biography Jason Reynold’s “10 Things I’ve Been Meaning to Say to You” with 11 reflection/discussion questions Nine questions to discuss after viewing Trevor Noah’s author interview A brief introduction to the book with a teaser Sixteen pages of comprehension and analysis tasks: 4 pages for Floor 8, and 2 pages for each subsequent floor (chapter) Identical page answer keys with detailed answers A collaborative project with eight activities A scoring rubric for the project A completed example to model expectations for the project. A page of Teaching Tips to assure success in your classroom. Clear fonts and format Engaging graphics Space is provided for student responses. Please click the preview to see the resource. Printable PDF or TPT Digital Easel Activity Next, The “Character’s Phone” creative characterization activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down is a fabulous, and relevant way to assess students' understanding of characterization! Kids love their phones! This activity has them imagine a character’s phone’s apps, their favorite entertainment, shopping, news, social media, and other indulgences. No-prep! The directions for the activity are as follows: CHOOSE A CHARACTER (Will or a ghost) Imagine your character in the present. What would this character have on his or her phone? What image or graphic would your character upload to the home screen? Choose apps from the categories: ENTERTAINMENT, SOCIAL MEDIA, SHOPPING, NEWS, AND SELF-INDULGENCES Complete the illustration/discussion component for each (150-225 words per category). Be sure to accurately represent the character’s traits demonstrated in the literature. I’ve included a completed activity using Beneatha from A Raisin in the Sun with suggestions for how to use the example to model expectations. _____________________________________________ There are many ways to use this Character's Phone activity in your classroom. Consider offering kids the following choices or choose one for the entire class: Poster/Collage: This is a great way for the artists in the class to demonstrate their knowledge of the god or goddess while demonstrating mad art skills. Provide kids with a poster board that they can section off for each component of the activity. Completed projects can be displayed for a gallery walk. A variation of this strategy is to offer students old magazines (that pile left over in the library from days gone by) or have students print images from the internet to glue onto poster boards. They also include the written portion next to their graphics. Hard Copy: Students can create a cover with the phone template and devote a page to each of the components of the activity. I’ve done this often with great success. I then devote some class time to passing them around to appreciate classmates’ work. Digital Copy: You can push the activity out to students so that they can complete the tasks on the computer or devices in whatever format they or you choose (docs, slides, PowerPoint) and submit digitally. These are easily shared with the class as well. Collaborative Presentation: I recently had my seniors complete this activity for Othello in collaborative groups. They all contributed to a slide presentation. It was fabulous because for each component they provided links that took the class to music videos, movie clips, newscasts, etc. It was quite engaging and so much fun! The kids really love this project, and I get awesome results. Another creative formative assessment activity is the one-pager. STUDENTS love to express their understanding of literature in creative ways. This one-pager activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down allows you to assess students understanding of characterization, theme, and symbolism through an activity that even the reluctant readers enjoy. Students receive: instructions template scoring rubric The template has a frame labeled "Theme" where students write a theme from the novel then illustrate and comment on the theme in the space. Character blocks on the template are labeled with characters including Will and his mom and all of the ghosts. Students write and cite a quote about the character then illustrate the character's traits in the box. A box devoted to symbolism instructs students to choose a symbol and depict it in the box using pictures and words. I've included a completed example of the activity and a discussion of why I chose my quotes, pictures, and words. I've also included some teaching tips. This activity is a PDF and can be printed and used in class or pushed out to student devices to be printed or completed digitally. Thank you for your consideration of this resource. Another resource that you may be interested in is the All American Boys unit, also by Jason Reynolds with Brendan Kiely. ALL AMERICAN BOYS UNIT ____________________________________________ Connect with me… To follow my store and receive notifications about new resources and store sales, click below: FOLLOW O SOME GREAT STUFF FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS TPT STORE Follow me anywhere and everywhere… FACEBOOK PINTEREST INSTAGRAM BLOG Subscribe to my monthly newsletter AND receive a valuable free resource; click below: MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Have a pleasant day! Lori O
Get this novel unit bundle for the novel Ghost by Jason Reynolds. It has many activities, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing resources made specifically for this novel and which will keep your students so engaged! It has the following -This resource has both print and digital ( Google Slides) op...
This Long Way Down review explains how powerful this Jason Reynolds novel can be in your classroom, as an independent reading choice or a whole class novel.
Our children's literature experts put together this list of their favorite books released in 2020. Find your grade for amazing new reads!
Guides by Deb – Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.
Jason Reynolds talks about his role as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, respectful parenting and the Tulsa Race Massacre.
High school ELA students are fascinated by Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down and engaged by this introduction, reading and discussion guide, with compelling analytical and creative activities. Even the most reluctant readers are drawn in by the unique format, compelling characters, and enthralling conflict of this popular young adult book. Pair the book with an equally amazing podcast and interesting, insightful activities and you and your students have a memorable ELA unit. Includes answer key and scoring rubrics. First, PODCAST LISTENING ACTIVITY This American Life-Harper High School Enhance students’ listening skills Introduce students to a new form of literacy This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast. This activity addresses the two-part broadcast titled “Harper High School.” These episodes recount reporters’ visits to this Chicago high school where, in 2012 alone, 29 recent and current students were shot. Students are introduced to an environment where everyone is a member of a gang simply by living in a particular neighborhood. They meet the courageous students, families, faculty, and staff that help each other survive and cope. This resource includes: Cover page: “Why listen to podcasts?” Quote from a communications professor about reading and listening, and the value of podcasts Four questions about podcasts and their experiences with this form of literacy Teaching Tips: a table of contents with corresponding time durations Tips about presenting the podcast in the classroom and pacing suggestions Student Activity: Eight pages addressing each act of the podcast Each page has a blank space for “Your Observations, Doodles, Questions, Thoughts” Questions and tasks for students to complete while listening to the podcast Appealing format with boxes and graphics where students write responses Designed to promote more attentive listening, the tasks are spaced out throughout the act, so kids aren’t distracted by having to respond to questions Most kids wait until the end of the podcast then return to complete the tasks from memory or by referring to the transcript. Each page has an engaging format and relevant graphics. Culminating Activities After Listening to the Podcast: Students choose from seven analytical or creative prompts to demonstrate their understanding of the information in the podcast. Key: Answers to objective questions and anticipated responses for subjective questions. I do not include a transcript of the podcast; however, it is available through the website. Please have a look at the complete resource by tapping the green box marked, “View Preview.” Second, LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds Comprehension and Analysis Activity and Project In LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds, students explore the cycle of gun violence and the theme of revenge while experiencing the beauty and effect of skillfully- crafted poetry. This comprehensive 50-page resource includes everything you need to provide students with an engaging learning experience, focused on a compelling topic, and presented in a unique format. Included: Brief author biography Jason Reynold’s “10 Things I’ve Been Meaning to Say to You” with 11 reflection/discussion questions Nine questions to discuss after viewing Trevor Noah’s author interview A brief introduction to the book with a teaser Sixteen pages of comprehension and analysis tasks: 4 pages for Floor 8, and 2 pages for each subsequent floor (chapter) Identical page answer keys with detailed answers A collaborative project with eight activities A scoring rubric for the project A completed example to model expectations for the project. A page of Teaching Tips to assure success in your classroom. Clear fonts and format Engaging graphics Space is provided for student responses. Please click the preview to see the resource. Printable PDF or TPT Digital Easel Activity Next, The “Character’s Phone” creative characterization activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down is a fabulous, and relevant way to assess students' understanding of characterization! Kids love their phones! This activity has them imagine a character’s phone’s apps, their favorite entertainment, shopping, news, social media, and other indulgences. No-prep! The directions for the activity are as follows: CHOOSE A CHARACTER (Will or a ghost) Imagine your character in the present. What would this character have on his or her phone? What image or graphic would your character upload to the home screen? Choose apps from the categories: ENTERTAINMENT, SOCIAL MEDIA, SHOPPING, NEWS, AND SELF-INDULGENCES Complete the illustration/discussion component for each (150-225 words per category). Be sure to accurately represent the character’s traits demonstrated in the literature. I’ve included a completed activity using Beneatha from A Raisin in the Sun with suggestions for how to use the example to model expectations. _____________________________________________ There are many ways to use this Character's Phone activity in your classroom. Consider offering kids the following choices or choose one for the entire class: Poster/Collage: This is a great way for the artists in the class to demonstrate their knowledge of the god or goddess while demonstrating mad art skills. Provide kids with a poster board that they can section off for each component of the activity. Completed projects can be displayed for a gallery walk. A variation of this strategy is to offer students old magazines (that pile left over in the library from days gone by) or have students print images from the internet to glue onto poster boards. They also include the written portion next to their graphics. Hard Copy: Students can create a cover with the phone template and devote a page to each of the components of the activity. I’ve done this often with great success. I then devote some class time to passing them around to appreciate classmates’ work. Digital Copy: You can push the activity out to students so that they can complete the tasks on the computer or devices in whatever format they or you choose (docs, slides, PowerPoint) and submit digitally. These are easily shared with the class as well. Collaborative Presentation: I recently had my seniors complete this activity for Othello in collaborative groups. They all contributed to a slide presentation. It was fabulous because for each component they provided links that took the class to music videos, movie clips, newscasts, etc. It was quite engaging and so much fun! The kids really love this project, and I get awesome results. Another creative formative assessment activity is the one-pager. STUDENTS love to express their understanding of literature in creative ways. This one-pager activity for Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down allows you to assess students understanding of characterization, theme, and symbolism through an activity that even the reluctant readers enjoy. Students receive: instructions template scoring rubric The template has a frame labeled "Theme" where students write a theme from the novel then illustrate and comment on the theme in the space. Character blocks on the template are labeled with characters including Will and his mom and all of the ghosts. Students write and cite a quote about the character then illustrate the character's traits in the box. A box devoted to symbolism instructs students to choose a symbol and depict it in the box using pictures and words. I've included a completed example of the activity and a discussion of why I chose my quotes, pictures, and words. I've also included some teaching tips. This activity is a PDF and can be printed and used in class or pushed out to student devices to be printed or completed digitally. Thank you for your consideration of this resource. Another resource that you may be interested in is the All American Boys unit, also by Jason Reynolds with Brendan Kiely. ALL AMERICAN BOYS UNIT ____________________________________________ Connect with me… To follow my store and receive notifications about new resources and store sales, click below: FOLLOW O SOME GREAT STUFF FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS TPT STORE Follow me anywhere and everywhere… FACEBOOK PINTEREST INSTAGRAM BLOG Subscribe to my monthly newsletter AND receive a valuable free resource; click below: MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Have a pleasant day! Lori O
My freshman literature students love Jason Reynolds' free-verse novel Long Way Down. The compelling story line and fast-paced narration grip everyone, especially my reluctant readers. Long Way Down is a rich, layered novel, worthy of all the praise and awards it has received. Students will remember it long after they leave my class. This listing is for a Long Way Down Quiz & Questions Bundle. Let's have a closer look at the resources in this Bundle: ✓ Unit Reading Quizzes There are four quizzes containing a total of 46 questions. The quizzes are designed to assess your students' reading comprehension. I call them "Quick-Check Quizzes." They are great to use as Exit Tickets, too. Here is the breakdown: Pages 1-35 / 10 Questions (This section covers the beginning through "The Rules.) Pages 36-70 / 10 Questions (This section covers the "middle drawer," Will's decision, and his approaching the elevator.) Pages 71-192 / 14 Questions (This section covers the first three ghosts in the elevator.) Pages 193-306 / 12 Questions (This section covers the last three ghosts in the elevator.) ✓ Unit Guided Reading Questions There are 4 sets of questions containing a total of 85 questions. These Guided Reading Questions are easy for students to navigate. They cover basic reading comprehension and are in chronological order. They are in long-answer format. The questions and answer keys are in Google Doc format. Your Google Folder contains 8 items: 4 sets of questions and 4 answer keys. The answer keys are thoroughly written and ready to post to your online classrooms. Here is the breakdown: Pages 1-35 / 16 Questions (This section covers the beginning through "The Rules.) Pages 36-70 / 17 Questions (This section covers the "middle drawer," Will's decision, and his approaching the elevator.) Pages 71-192 / 25 Questions (This section covers the first three ghosts in the elevator.) Pages 193-306 / 27 Questions (This section covers the last three ghosts in the elevator.) Are you looking for more Long Way Down resources? I have a Giant Unit Bundle which also includes Slides, discussion, a project, a pacing guide, a test and more! I have other great YA novel resources! Check these out! Lois Lowry's The Giver Gareth Hinds' Graphic Novel The Odyssey by Homer Plus, there are so many more in my store!
