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Jason Reynolds, Author

The Power of Narrative (Season One)

*An 826 Digital Lesson Partner

Overview

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Jason Reynolds Lesson | Teaching The Thread

"Literacy is important because it keeps us free.” - Jason Reynolds, The Thread

Jason Reynolds reflects on his upbringing in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and how his parents gave him freedom and encouraged open communication. Reynolds discusses his approach to connecting with young readers and the importance of literacy, emphasizing how it teaches discipline, persistence, and broadens vocabulary.

 

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Lesson Objectives

Social Studies

*Explore the role of literacy as a civil right

*Incorporate All American Boys as social commentary on contemporary issues such as Black Lives Matter and excessive force by law enforcement

*Research and understand the issue of book banning

English Language Arts

*Examine the power of language and voice

*Introduce poetry and its intersection with music and rap

*Examine perspective taking from the point of view of one author

*Explore the idea of purposeful work and a meaningful life

*Use Jason Reynolds’ episode as evidence to write a rhetorical argument, commentary, or synthesis essay

Social Emotional Learning: By offering engaging personal narratives, students can discuss and strengthen the five SEL competencies - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Media Literacy: Students will practice media literacy skills by analyzing information, points of view, and claims made in The Thread and be able to translate these strategies with all forms of media to make more informed decisions.

Jason Reynolds Lesson | Teaching The Thread

First Take >

The "First Take" activity is a warm-up writing or conversation exercise created uniquely for The Thread to strengthen media literacy skills. Like an opening song in a musical, the first stanza of a poem, or even the first impression one person makes on another, the "First Take" asks students to reflect and share their initial thoughts and feelings about the episode’s opening and why the filmmaker and editor made these choicess.

Download Jason Reynold's lesson to access the complete "First Take" activity.

Jason Reynolds Lesson | Teaching The Thread

The Thread Up Close >

 

After watching the interview, students will debrief and discuss the life story and engage in a close read and analysis of his interview using the "The Power of Narrative" episode and transcript.

In this lesson, the suggested close read connects to the issue of book banning as Jason Reynolds' book All American Boy has been targeted.

Download the lesson to access "The Thread Up Close" activity.

Jason Reynolds Lesson | Teaching The Thread

"The Power of Narrative" >

 

Students will analyze the lesson's title before writing a letter to Jason Reynolds in response to the stories told in this episode. 

Download the lesson to access the complete "The Power of Narrative" activity. 

Resources

See lesson for resources

826 Digital Lesson:  "Soundscapes Poems"

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