Student Activities for 13 Reasons Why
Essential Questions for Thirteen Reasons Why Book
- What is the snowball effect? How can the snowball effect relate to your own life?
- How can a person’s perspective be changed?
- What role do rumors and reputation play at your school?
- What can you do to help prevent your classmates from making destructive decisions?
- What mistakes did Hannah make in dealing with her stress and unhappiness?
Background
Thirteen Reasons Why addresses many controversial topics that students may initially be uncomfortable discussing. Teachers, too, may find the subject matter difficult to approach. Before beginning the novel, teachers should take care to prepare with relevant background reading on subjects such as bullying, suicide, and sexual abuse. Make sure to also research appropriate authorities and helplines for providing official student support in these areas. The organizations below may be helpful resources for both teachers and students.
National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network (RAINN), 1-800-656-HOPE
In addition to its powerful thematic content, Thirteen Reasons Why can be a wonderful tool for teaching literary concepts. Asher uses a creative story structure and alternating point of view to tell his story and maintain suspense. The novel contains parallel stories, which alternate every few lines from Clay’s narration in the present to Hannah’s narration in the past. Clay’s part of the story is told through stream of consciousness, a method of narration in which the speaker expresses thoughts and feelings in a continuous flow of words. Asher also employs unique formatting techniques, including italics to indicate Hannah’s recorded voice and symbols representing the “stop”, “pause”, and “play” functions of the cassette player. These symbols also indicate a switch in narrative point of view. Other literary devices to teach along with this novel include foil, tragic flaw, foreshadowing, irony, figurative language, and deus ex machina.
How Tos about Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
How to create a safe classroom environment for discussing sensitive topics in Thirteen Reasons Why
Set clear ground rules for respectful discussion and confidentiality before starting any conversation about the novel. This helps students feel safe sharing thoughts and questions without fear of judgment or gossip.
Encourage empathy through structured activities
Use role-playing or perspective-taking exercises to help students understand different characters’ experiences and emotions. Building empathy reduces stigma and opens up honest dialogue about tough issues in the story.
Provide access to support resources
Share information about school counselors, helplines, and trusted adults at the start and throughout your unit. Reminding students of available help normalizes seeking support and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.
Monitor discussions for emotional distress
Watch for signs of discomfort or distress and check in privately with students who seem affected. Being proactive shows you care and enables timely intervention if needed.
Debrief regularly to process emotions and insights
Offer time after each lesson for students to reflect, ask questions, or share reactions in writing or small groups. Regular debriefs help students process tough topics and reinforce a supportive classroom culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
What are effective ways to teach Thirteen Reasons Why in a high school classroom?
Effective ways to teach Thirteen Reasons Why include preparing background on sensitive topics, using student activities to foster discussion, and integrating literary concepts like point of view and stream of consciousness. Providing resources for support and encouraging open conversations help ensure a safe learning environment.
How can teachers address controversial topics like suicide and abuse in Thirteen Reasons Why?
Teachers should prepare with relevant background reading, offer access to support organizations, and create a safe space for students. Discussing topics like suicide and abuse with sensitivity and providing helpline information are essential for student well-being.
What literary devices can be taught using Thirteen Reasons Why?
Thirteen Reasons Why offers opportunities to teach foreshadowing, irony, figurative language, tragic flaw, foil characters, and stream of consciousness. Its unique narrative structure enriches lessons on point of view and storytelling techniques.
Where can educators find support resources when teaching Thirteen Reasons Why?
Educators can find support at the National Institute for Mental Health, National Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE), and RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE). These organizations provide guidance for handling discussions of sensitive topics with students.
What classroom activities work well with Thirteen Reasons Why?
Classroom activities for Thirteen Reasons Why include discussion questions, exploring the snowball effect, analyzing rumors and reputation, and literary analysis projects. Engaging students in personal reflection and group conversations encourages deeper understanding.
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