The Boy in the Black Suit – Building Background Knowledge Lesson
This ready-to-use independent Google Slides activity helps students build background knowledge before reading The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds.
NO PREP REQUIRED - JUST POST IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM!!
Perfect for those weird transition days (like during iReady testing) or as a meaningful kickoff to your unit, this lesson is designed for students to work independently at their own pace while still engaging with key ideas like theme, author’s purpose, and prediction.
What’s Included:
- Agenda Slide (for teacher presentation)
- Three thoughtful prompts that activate prior knowledge, analyze a book review, and introduce students to Jason Reynolds
- A student-choice question board linked to different response slides
- Embedded video links (book trailer + short film “Dear Dreamer” by Jason Reynolds)
- A final slide that celebrates completion and reminds students to turn in the work
- Criteria for Success written in student-friendly language on each response slide in the notes section
- Teacher notes in the Notes section to support flexible lesson implementation
Total activity time: 50–100 minutes, depending on your schedule + pacing
(Can be used in a 50-minute period, or stretched into a full 90–100 min block by adding a do-now, turn & talks, whole class discussion, & brain breaks)
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Completely low-prep — just assign and go
✔️ Works great as a sub plan, test-day activity, or Day 1 unit intro
✔️ Gives students author context, thematic preview, and predictive thinking
✔️ Encourages independent reflection or can be used for whole-class discussion
✔️ Editable to fit your classroom structure and tech setup
✔️ Designed for complete independence OR independent + class discussion
This resource helps students enter the novel feeling grounded and curious, AND helps you ease into the unit without having to scramble for an engaging, standards-aligned activity.
Please Note:
*Most of the slides are not editable, some directions are
*You will need access to Youtube
