That Crack Built is a powerful poem about the drug problem and its victims. From the harvesting of the coca plants to the dealers and gangs to the innocent crack babies born every day, the book portrays the effects of drug abuse and the illegal drug trade in stark relief. The teacher will read the book, The House That Crack Built. Drugs - Lost Cause Students will list three things in their lives that are most important to them. They are to write one item on three different index cards.
Students can identify items or people including friends or family.
Students will voluntarily share their lists. Students will volunteer to exchange one of the cards for one from the teacher. The teacher will ask students how they would feel if they were to lose the items they had listed on their cards. The teacher will explain that when people become involved in illegal drug use, they risk losing many things in their lives that are considered prized possessions. Students can discuss how drugs can cause losses such as friends, and perhaps, sometimes family members, money, educational opportunities, and other items of value.