This Has Always Been Our Active Shooter Drill

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Protection

Step 1

Have your students watch the embedded clip. Then discuss.

Step 2

Read “This Has Always Been Our Active Shooter Drill” by Jason Reynolds. Then discuss how the poem echoes the same sentiment as that in the video they just watched.

Step 3

Have your students come up with a list of ways or instances in which they have had to “protect themselves” from people who hold preconceived notions about them. Take 5-10 minutes.

Step 4

Have your students write a poem similar in style to “This Has Always Been Our Active Shooter Drill” in which they recount the numerous ways they need to “protect themselves” against people who really know nothing about them.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses if they feel comfortable enough to do so.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Selection of Detail

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of “selection of detail,” go through the introductory lesson with them.

Step 2

Have your students watch the following scene from “The Hate U Give.” Then simply discuss why that conversation needed to be had.

Step 3

Have your students open the following document, read the introduction, then read Jason Reynolds’ “This Has Always Been Our Active Shooter Drill.” Discuss how Reynolds’ message echoes that of the scene they just watched. Then discuss the general tone in the poem and what contributed to it.

Step 4

Have your students analyze Reynolds’ selection of detail and how it contributes to his feelings of futility and despair. Directions are provided for them beneath the introduction.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share a few of their responses. Then share the exemplar essay with them.