Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a high interest novel in verse that will grab your students’ attention from the first page and never let them go. Set across the span of only one minute, Jason takes you on a thrilling, thought-provoking journey as the main character, Will, takes the elevator ride of his life. If you haven’t had the chance to read this novel, I highly recommend you grab a copy right here. Although it’s a very quick read, the themes and ideas pack a huge punch. I’ve put together 10 fresh ideas for implementing Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds into your secondary English Language Arts classroom.
1. Character Study
Understand the characters of the novel on a deeper level. Have students complete a character study on Will (or any of the other characters he sees throughout the novel). A unique resource you might enjoy is this Character Autopsy Project. This engaging resource helps students “pick apart” a character from any text and analyze them while focusing on various body parts. This would be an excellent way to explore Will’s deeper motives as he takes his ride.
2. Study Anagrams
Anagrams appear throughout the novel. Create a mini-lesson where students study how Will’s anagrams are applicable to the novel, or have them come up with a list of possibilities they think fit into the novel’s themes. They will be puzzled and intrigued as they explore Reynolds’ unique use of language. What does ALIVE = A VEIL really mean?
3. Analyze Time Stamps
Point out the time stamps for each chapter and have a discussion with students. Does the novel actually happen as Will describes it? Is it a dream of sorts? Does that make the “lesson” any less important to Will? Would the novel be different if Reynolds had chosen not to include the time stamps?
4. Create a Soundtrack
Have students think about the progression of the novel in terms of music by having them create a soundtrack. Students can select songs that represent characters, or music that would accompany the plot development. If you want a resource already done for you, check out my Character Soundtrack Project.
5. Is Revenge Worth It? Discussion
A central theme to Love Way Down is how, as Ghandi famously said, “an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind”. Students can discuss the concept of revenge, if it’s worth it, and what the consequences are of pursuing revenge.
6. Explore the Graphic Novel Adaptation
The images in this adaptation are both beautiful and powerful. Even if you’ve read the novel, it is well worth the investment to get a copy of the graphic novel. You can compare depictions, discuss illustrative choices, or you can just outright read the graphic novel in place of the original. Analyzing the text next to the powerful illustrations lends itself to plenty of upper-level thinking activities.
7. Cast the Movie
This activity would be an excellent accompaniment to the soundtrack activity. Pair together to create not only a soundtrack for the “film” but the actors who would portray the characters as well. Why might certain actors work better than others?
8. The Rules We Live By Discussion
Have students think about what “rules” we live by. They can think of it in terms of their age, their specific community, or in broader senses like our country or as humans. This can be a personal assignment you give in a journal, or a group project that students present as part of a mini-lesson. Have students create attractive posters to display their ideas.
9. Dialogue Writing
The novel follows Will’s stream of consciousness. We see fragments of his memories and thought processes as he meets different people from his life. Have students think creatively and “fill in the blanks” of conversation between Will and the other characters. Alternatively, you can adjust so students can create a comic strip depicting the full scene from the novel. You can find my done-for-you Long Way Down Dialogue Writing assignment here.
10. Personal Journal Project
Some students may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts in a more private manner. Many of the assignments listed here can be adapted to independent work that students can complete as they read through the novel. They may feel more at liberty to express their personal views, hardships, and growth when they know that their work isn’t going to be shared with everyone (although you may still try and encourage them to share snippets with a small group). Have students keep a journal of these ideas as you read.
Bonus: Podcast Pairing
After teaching this unit several times, I’ve found that one of my favorite activities that has had a profound impact on my students years after teaching it is to pair it with an episode of This American Life called “Harper High School“. Use my Podcast Listening Activities for an engaging, eye-opening activity to pair with the novel.
Grab My Done-For-You Long Way Down Novel Unit
If you’re loving these ideas and you want to get them all in one complete resource, you can find my FULL NOVEL BUNDLE here. When you get the full novel resource, you are getting the best of all of my activities packaged at 20% off the original resource price. This novel unit will engage your students and allow them to think creatively and deeply as they read Long Way Down.
Long Way Down is truly an amazing read, sure to keep your students engaged and opening the door for some great discussions and learning opportunities. Do you teach Long Way Down? I’d love to hear some of your favorite activity ideas in the comments below or on IG or Facebook.
Happy teaching!
