Click HERE for TPT curriculum novel study for “When I was the Greatest”
Teaching Jason Reynold’s novel “When I Was the Greatest” can be an enriching experience for both educators and students alike. The novel not only offers engaging storytelling but also explores themes of friendship, resilience, and community, making it an ideal choice for classroom discussions and activities. Here’s a guide on how to effectively teach “When I Was the Greatest”:
- Introduction to the Author and Background: Begin by introducing students to Jason Reynolds, providing some context about his background as a poet and author. Discuss his writing style, previous works, and any relevant awards or accolades he has received. Additionally, provide a brief overview of the novel’s setting and themes to pique students’ interest.
- Pre-Reading Activities: Before diving into the novel, engage students with pre-reading activities to activate their prior knowledge and build anticipation. This could include discussions about urban life, friendship, and resilience, as well as exploring key concepts such as community and identity.
- Character Analysis: As students read the novel, encourage them to analyze the main characters—Ali, Noodles, and Needles—in depth. Have them consider each character’s motivations, struggles, and growth throughout the story. Create character profiles or graphic organizers to help students track their observations and insights.
- Theme Exploration: “When I Was the Greatest” explores several overarching themes, including friendship, family dynamics, and the challenges of urban life. Facilitate class discussions to delve into these themes, using specific examples from the text to support students’ interpretations. Encourage students to reflect on how these themes resonate with their own experiences and perspectives.
- Literary Analysis: Guide students in analyzing the novel’s literary elements, such as symbolism, imagery, and figurative language. Explore how Reynold’s use of language and poetic style contributes to the overall impact of the narrative. Encourage students to identify and discuss key passages that stand out to them and explain their significance.
- Creative Response Activities: Foster creativity and critical thinking by incorporating creative response activities into the curriculum. This could include writing assignments, such as character monologues or journal entries, where students explore events from the perspective of different characters. Alternatively, students could create visual representations of key scenes or themes through artwork or multimedia projects.
- Real-World Connections: Help students make connections between the novel and real-world issues and experiences. Explore topics such as community activism, social justice, and the impact of gentrification on urban neighborhoods. Encourage students to draw parallels between the characters’ struggles and challenges faced by individuals and communities in their own lives.
- Culminating Projects: Conclude the unit with culminating projects that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the novel and its themes. This could include group presentations, creative writing portfolios, or multimedia projects that showcase their insights and interpretations. Encourage students to reflect on their personal growth and learning throughout the unit.
By incorporating these strategies, educators can effectively teach Jason Reynold’s “When I Was the Greatest” and create a dynamic and engaging learning experience for students. Through thoughtful exploration of the novel’s characters, themes, and literary elements, students can gain valuable insights into the human experience and the power of resilience and friendship.
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