Intro

After reading, discussing, and writing about Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, students now have the opportunity to show their understanding and insight through a creative project of their choosing.

The purpose of this project is to give students an alternative way to show a deeper understanding of the novel and one its main characters. Students should take time to consider which option will allow them to play to their strengths and best demonstrate their knowledge and insight.

Review the options below and choose one for your creative response to Long Way Down. If you have another idea for a creative response, discuss it with your teacher.

Options

1. Character Study (visual/artistic)

Either create an image of the character of your choice from Long Way Down (painting/sketch/sculpture), or create an image that represents your character (painting/sketch/sculpture).  Provide at least three (3) quotes from the novel that represent important parts of the character (for example, their beliefs and values, their conflict, their strengths).  Include three (3) symbols that represent important themes and character traits related to your character. 

It is up to you how you will incorporate the quotes and symbols into your art. Be prepared to defend your creation – either through writing or verbally (live or prerecorded) that explains what you hoped to get across in your piece of art and how it is representative of the character.

2. Character Interview (writing/performing)

You will interview a character from Long Way Down. Write at least ten questions (probably more) that will give the character the opportunity to discuss their thoughts and feelings about their role/experience in the story. There are many different ways you can choose to present your interview. You can present it in written format, record it on video, perform it live – or come up with another way.

While your answers will be created by you, they must be reflective of your character and in line with what the reader knows and understands about them. 

3. Movie Poster (visual/artistic/graphic design)

Think of what makes an appealing movie poster – vivid images and/or graphics, a good catch phrase, important symbols, effective color scheme, eye-catching layout.  For this project, you will design a movie poster that captures the feel of Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (atmosphere – think: color, font, layout).

It must also provide insight into the novel through the following:

• a meaningful theme statement,
• three (3) quotes that connect to the theme statement,
• at least three (3) symbols that represent important elements of the novel. 

Be prepared to defend your creation – either through writing or verbally (live or prerecorded) that explains what you hoped to get across in your poster and how it is representative of the novel.

4. Switch Perspective Rewrite (writing)

Is there a part of Long Way Down that you would love to hear from another character’s perspective?  This is your chance!  Take on the role of a character other than the protagonist and rewrite either a chapter or a significant part of the novel as they experience it. 

Use detailed descriptions, dialogue, and access to the character’s thoughts to show this unique point of view.  The plot should be the same (don’t change what happens in the story), but feel free to fill in parts of the story for the character of your choice, and consider how they might have experienced the same event somewhat differently.

Aim for 400-600 words.

5. Character Playlist (writing/visual/musical)

Go deep into one of the characters from Long Way Down by creating a playlist of songs that reflects aspects of who they are. Create a playlist of at least eight (8) songs that are carefully selected.  The songs should connect to important elements of your character: values, conflicts, relationships, strengths, weaknesses, goals, past experiences, etc.

For each song, provide a rationale for its place on the playlist.  The connection should go beyond the superficial. And be mindful that you are not selecting more than one song that deals with the same idea or issue. Each explanation should be around 4-5 sentences.

Consider how you will display this project – as a slide presentation or Prezi?  Written and illustrated like an actual album? The choice is up to you!

For Teachers – Full Unit Plan

Want a full unit plan that includes everything you need to teach Long Way Down? The Ultimate Unit Plan for Long Way Down by englishunitplans.com has lesson plans, activities, questions, quizzes, puzzles, and more.