Walter Dean Myers BiographyBefore reading Myers' short stories, it is important for kids to have an understanding of who Myers is. This video will build background knowledge for students to help them understand why Myers writes about Harlem as well as how Harlem affects his idea of culture.
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Walter Dean Myers Interview ResponsesThis activity is meant to be combined with Background Activity #1 and builds more knowledge of why Myers writes what he does. This activity also asks students to identify and connect with issues of identity that Myers himself has struggled with.
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History of Harlem
Before reading 145th Street: Short Stories, kids need to activate some prior knowledge around Harlem. Through this video, students will gain an understanding of the growth of Harlem, how it evolved and has cultivated its own culture, and where it is moving in the future.
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Future of Harlem
Harlem today is not what it once was. It is very different from the Harlem represented in Myers' texts. Through reading an article regarding these changes after reading Myers' short stories, students will analyze the impact this change in direction may have on culture and identity.
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