Literature: "We Beat the Street" by Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins
These sites include information and lesson plans about the book “We Beat the Street” by Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins. Related videos are included of children who have sought to make changes in their lives. Includes eThemes resources on Writing Memoirs, Personal Narrative Writing, the book “Scorpions” by Walter Dean Myers, and African American Firsts.
The Three Doctors: Our Story
Read about the background of Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins, three boys who grew up in the inner-city of Newark, NJ, and later became physicians. NOTE: This site links to the "Fatherhood Roundtable," a blog with unmoderated comments.
Teacher Vision: We Beat the Street Lesson Plan
See this lesson plan to accompany students reading "We Beat the Street." NOTE: This is a fee-based site, but features a free 7-day trial period.
We Beat the Street: Discussion Guide
This two-page PDF file features an overview of the book "We Beat the Street," background about The Three Doctors, and focuses on 18 discussion questions that can be used in the classroom.
Making a Difference Video
Watch this video about an inner city student who became involved in his community through participating in Boy Scouts.
PBS: Boys of Baraka
This lesson plan ties in with the PBS documentary "The Boys of Baraka." It is a story of teenage boys from the inner city of Baltimore whose lives are changed when they travel to Kenya. Click on "Watch the Trailer" for an overview of the film, as well as interviews with the filmmakers and other clips from the movie.
eTheme Resource: Writing: Memoirs
These sites explain how to write memoirs and include ideas for getting started. There are also some writing examples and lists of recommended children's books that use this form of writing. There is a link to eThemes Resource on Personal Narrative Writing.
eTheme Resource: Writing: Personal Narrative Writing
These sites have tips and examples for writing strong leads for paragraphs and structuring personal narrative writing. Students can learn how to capture and hold their readers' attention. There are classroom activities, online quizzes and exercises, and ideas to help writers develop their skills. Includes links to eThemes on grammar and interactive writing activities.
eTheme Resource: Literature: "Scorpions" by Walter Dean Myers
These sites are about Walter Dean Myers' book, "Scorpions". Learn about Walter Dean Myers' life in his own words and about his outlook on growing up in the inner-city. Included are lesson plans, audio, and video resources from the author as well as information from the National Youth Gang Center. There is also a link to eThemes Resource on Author Study: Walter Dean Myers.
eThemes Resource: African American Firsts
These sites include information about African-American firsts in literature, sports, politics, education, music, etc. Significant contributions of African-Americans in contemporary and past history have been identified. Includes eThemes resources on Famous African American Inventors and Scientists, African American Contributions, and Black History month.
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