Gridiron Memories Slides
LITERAL & PLOT RECALL | Before the Ever After
GRIDIRON MEMORIES
An interactive comprehension guide to tracking Zach's story, his dad's legacy, and the fragments of memory that hold them together.
Jacqueline Woodson Novel Study
SLIDE 01
THE CORE FOUR & SUPPORT TEAM
SLIDE 02
Zach's Huddle
In football, a huddle is where players protect each other and plan their next play.
Let's recall how Zach's immediate support network shows up for him during difficult times.
1. Zach (Záchary) Host
What unique physical talent or musical connection does Zach share with his father? How does this keep them close?
2. Dad (No. 44) Star
What professional sport did Dad play? What physical symptoms begin to show that something is wrong with his brain?
3. Mom Shield
How does Mom protect Zach from the media storm? How does she handle Dad's shifting behaviors at home?
4. The Friends Core 4
Who are the three friends that make up the "Core Four" with Zach? Identify one specific way they show loyalty.
Class Discussion: How does having a strong huddle help Zach navigate the changes in his household?
SPOTTING THE SIGNALS
SLIDE 03
The changes in Zach's father do not happen all at once. They build up gradually. Let's recall the three major stages of warning signs in the story.
1
The Headaches
Dad starts complaining of intense headaches that keep him in dark rooms.
Recall Challenge:
Where is Zach when Dad first experiences one of these severe headaches in public?
2
The Outbursts
Dad begins losing his temper over minor things, shouting, and even dropping family belongings.
Recall Challenge:
What object does Dad drop or break in the kitchen that startles Zach and Mom?
3
The Lost Words
The confusion deepens, leading to memory lapses where Dad forgets ordinary words and moments.
Recall Challenge:
What is the most alarming thing Dad forgets during their game of backyard catch?
* Think back to the transition from professional stardom to the medical clinics. Be ready to share your answers aloud!
DOWN THE FIELD: SEQUENCING CHALLENGE
SLIDE 04
Mission: Below are 5 critical events from Zach's timeline in Before the Ever After. They are currently mixed up. Work together to arrange them in the correct chronological order from first to last.
A
Dad experiences an intense episode of confusion and forgetfulness in the middle of a backyard catch, forgetting Zach's name.
B
Zach and his friends build a spectacular snow fort together, providing a moment of normal childhood fun amidst the stress.
C
Dad is celebrated by screaming fans on television, winning championships and being hailed as a football hero.
D
Dad leaves home to stay at a specialized medical facility to receive in-depth clinical observation and professional tests.
YOUR CALL: Which order makes the touchdown drive?
1st: C 2nd: A 3rd: B 4th: D
MEMORY FRAGMENTS
SLIDE 05
QUOTE 1
“
He is a storm now. My father is a storm that won't stop blowing.
Literal Recall Question:
What specific physical outbursts or actions of Dad's lead Zach to compare him to a storm? Provide one example from the book.
QUOTE 2
“
Before the ever after, there was just us... and everything was normal.
Literal Recall Question:
What are two specific memories Zach shares of his dad *before* the headaches and changes began that demonstrate "normal" life?
💡 Tip: Look for clues about how Zach's perception shifts from viewing his dad as an untouchable hero to a vulnerable parent.
BEFORE VS. AFTER: THE BIG SHIFT
SLIDE 06
The "Before" Era
- Dad is celebrated as an active, unstoppable gridiron champion.
- The house is constantly filled with joyful music and proud guests.
- Zach feels like the son of an untouchable national hero.
Recall Question:
Who usually came over to celebrate with Dad after major victories, and what was the general atmosphere of those parties?
The "Ever After" Era
- Dad experiences debilitating health crises and visits brain clinics.
- The house becomes quiet, shaded, tense, and highly protective.
- The focus shifts from sports glory to medical answers and family care.
Recall Question:
How do the doctors explain the cause of Dad's headaches and confusion to the family? What sports-related term is introduced?
Compare these eras to see how Woodson uses memory to bridge who Dad was with who he is now.
THE FINAL WHISTLE: QUICK RECALL
SLIDE 07
Scoreboard
5 / 5
RECALL CHECKLIST
See if you can answer all five of these quick questions without looking back at your book notes!
1
What was Dad's jersey number during his professional football career? (Hint: It's repeated often)
2
What nickname or description does Zach use for his father's sudden and terrifying mood swings?
3
Name the specific musical artist or genre that Dad and Zach loved listening to and singing along with in the car.
4
Which member of the "Core Four" friends is the first to check in on Zach when he's feeling down at school?
5
Where is Zach's father staying at the very end of the novel to receive proper care?
Ready to discuss? Keep these questions in mind for your comprehension check-in! Memory Wins!
Gridiron Memories Worksheet
Student Companion Sheet
GRIDIRON MEMORIES
Page 1 of 2
Name: _____________________________________
Date: ___________________________
Use this printable worksheet alongside the Gridiron Memories Slide Deck to record your literal and plot recall responses for Jacqueline Woodson's novel Before the Ever After.
Part 1: The Core Four & Support Team
Write short recall answers for each of the core characters supporting Zachariah's family:
1. ZACH (Záchary)
What physical talent or musical connection does Zach share with his father that keeps them close?
2. DAD (Zachariah Sr. / No. 44)
What professional sport did Dad play? List two physical symptoms that indicate his health is declining.
3. THE FRIENDS (Glenn, Bird & silly)
Identify the names of Zach's three closest friends and name one specific way they show loyalty to him.
Part 2: Spotting the Signals
Identify the specific literal details surrounding the warning signs of Dad's illness:
A. The Headaches
Where is Zach when his father first experiences an intense physical headache that interferes with his public presence?
B. The Lost Words
What does Dad forget during their backyard game of catch that causes deep concern for Zach?
Before the Ever After Comprehension | Novel Study Series Turn page for Parts 3 & 4
Student Companion Sheet
GRIDIRON MEMORIES
Page 2 of 2
Part 3: Down the Field (Plot Sequencing)
Write the letter (A, B, C, D) of the events from the Slide 4 sequencing challenge in the order they occurred in the storyline:
Chronological Order:
1st (First)
__
2nd
__
3rd
__
4th (Last)
__
Explain why this chronological order matters. How does the slow decline affect the overall mood of the story?
Part 4: Memory Fragments (Quotation Analysis)
Respond to the text-dependent literal questions based on the key novel quotes:
“He is a storm now. My father is a storm that won't stop blowing.”
Recall: How does Zach's family adjust their home life to stay safe when Dad's "storm" behaviors flare up?
“Before the ever after, there was just us...”
Recall: Contrast Zach's memories of "Before" with the reality of "After" by listing one major structural change in his relationship with his father.
Gridiron Memories Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource Pack
TEACHER GUIDE & ANSWER KEY
Gridiron Memories
Pedagogical Purpose: This guide supports instruction of Jacqueline Woodson's Before the Ever After, verifying student literal recall, character support roles, chronological plot sequencing, and CTE text analysis.
Parts 1 & 2: Character Support & Warning Signs Keys
Zach's Connection:
Zach connects through music and singing. He and his dad sing "Before the Ever After" (recalling nostalgia for happier, normal times).
Dad's Symptoms:
Professional football player. Key physical symptoms include persistent migraines/headaches, dropping kitchen objects, sudden mood shifts/screaming, and deep memory loss.
The Core Four:
Glenn, Bird, and silly. They show loyalty by building a massive snow fort to give Zach space, offering quiet listening, and standing by him against classroom whispers.
The Warning Signs:
Headaches: Occur during televised press conferences. Lost Words: Dad forgets Zach's name during a simple game of backyard catch.
Part 3: Down the Field Plot Sequencing
1st: C ➔ 2nd: A ➔ 3rd: B ➔ 4th: D
C: Super Bowl Glory Parade ➔ A: Backyard catch name lapse ➔ B: Winter snow castle play with friends ➔ D: Special facility medical check-in (End).
Part 4: Memory Fragments Analysis
“He is a storm now...”
The family adjusts by whispering, dimming lights, avoiding sudden noises, and shielding him from reporters. They create a quiet "safe zone" in their home.
“Before the ever after...”
In the "Before," Dad was the provider, teacher, and protector. In the "After," Zach acts as a caregiver, comforting his father and finding words for him.
Classroom Discussion Scaffolding
Addressing Head Injuries / CTE
Frame CTE simply as "repetitive brain injuries from sports that accumulate." Celebrate football's joy while discussing physical costs transparently.
Discussing Family Illness
Highlight the "Core Four" as an exemplary model of how students can show empathy and maintain close connections during peer crises.
Before the Ever After Guide | Gridiron Memories Lesson © 2026 Novel Study Group
