Homelessness A Lesson Designed for Grade 6
Subject: English By: Jessica Payne
Technology IntegrationRationale:
• It is important that students are knowledgeable about homelessness. Though many try to ignore it, homelessness is a part of all our communities. Becoming educated about homelessness will help students understand the impact poverty has on individuals, as well as communities, and eliminate negative stereotypes they associate with this issue.
CLICK HERE
Internet Content
• With the help of technology, students can gain a better understanding of the causes and affects homelessness can have on individuals dealing with this issue.
• Students can gain an understanding of how their communities are being affected, in addition to ways they can work towards solving this national problem.
• There are a variety of statistics, images, videos, blogs, and organizations presented throughout the internet that can provide students with an interactive educational experience, as they gain new knowledge about homelessness. CLICK HERE
Internet Podcast
• Lawyer 2 Lawyer Podcast on how homelessness, due to increased jobless rates, affects the nation.
• More people are helping homeless communities • National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty:Goal:• Use the law as a tool to eliminate homelessness by
addressing issues with large homeless communities• Example: A group of homeless children were denied
the ability to get an education because they were homeless
Fight Against Homelessness CLICK HERE
Internet Content
from YouTube
• Description: This 60 minute television episode shows an inside look of what it is like being homeless and living in a car through the perspective of young students and their parentsCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Homelessness in America Families Living in Cars (2011)
Internet Blog
St. Lawrence Place• Description: St. Lawrence
Place is a community where homeless families can get the support, motivation, and skills to find shelters and job opportunities so they can be knowledge able about how to live independent lives.
CLICK HERE
Internet Resource
National Center for Homeless Education at the Serve Center (NCHE) (click organization name to access website)
• This organization is funded by the Department of Education. Their mission is to provide research, information, and resources to help educate communities on how to address the educational needs of homeless children.
Internet Resource
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) (click organization name to access website)
• This organization connects educators, parents, advocates, researchers, and service providers to ensure school enrollment, attendance, and overall success for homeless children and youth.
Internet ResourceConnecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) (click organization name to access website)
• This organization manages homelessness in Connecticut. They implement prevention strategies, find permanent affordable housing, coordinate culturally relevant support services and systems for steady and stable incomes for all Connecticut citizens.
• These three internet resources are websites students can refer to while they brainstorm and create their own organization to promote awareness of homelessness.
Inspiration
Diagram
Teaching Materials
My home can be everywhere or nowhere.My daily meals consist of anything or nothing.My knick-knacks and baubles are the clothes I wear.My money is only what others give me.
I am a being.I am human.I am homeless.
If only people could see where I standand help me through this all.Will this loneliness ever end?Will I begin a new life?Does anyone care?
Because I am here.I am real.I cannot be ignored.I am a person.I am alive.
And...I am homeless.
Poem Entitled: Homelessness (2011)By: Krista E.
Teaching MaterialsChildren’s Books on Homelessness
• Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen • by: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan• Fly Away Home by: Eve Bunting• Mr. Bow Tie by: Karen Barbour• A Rose for Abby by: Donna Gurthrie
Teaching Materials
Original:• Phil Collins (1989):Remake:• Brandy featuring Ray J
(2001):* Click on images to hear song* Refer to next slide for teaching activity
Versions of the song Another Day in Paradise:
Teaching
MaterialsThink Beyond
the Music! Name: _________ Date: _________1) What does the songwriter mean by “it’s another day for you and me in paradise”?
2) What does the songwriter want us to “think twice” about?
3) What do you think the songwriter wants us to understand about homelessness?
Create Your
own Song!
Directions: Now it’s your turn! With a
partner, try writing your own song lyrics about
homelessness. Remember, think about the
messages you would like to convey about
homelessness. Think back to everything your
class has learned about homelessness!
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Teaching Materials
Discussion Questions:• What comes to mind when you think
of the word “home?”• How would you feel if you were
homeless?Assignment:• As a small group, create your own
organization to help homeless individuals in your community and promote awareness. Think of a way you could help work towards the elimination of homelessness in your community!
Subject-Specific Resource
Michael Smith & Jeffrey Wilhelm’s, Fresh Takes on Teaching Literary Elements (2011) CLICK HERE
• Educators can use this book as a tool to find different approaches that can successfully help them teach their students how to identify literary themes, for their independent practice in small groups with their children’s books on homelessness.
Use of the
Internet Connecticut Food BankCLICK HERE• Description: Their mission is to help allivate
hunger throughout Connecticut through the donation of food to a number of soup-kitchens, food pantries, low-income households, and shelters.
• Students can use this website to see different ways communities can provide a helping hand to those who are less fortunate and struggling.
Use of the Internet Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS)CLICK HERE• Description: This organization is volunteer
based and focuses on assisting refugees and immigrants as they try to transition from their native land to the United States.
• IRIS helps provide individuals with shelters, food, clothing, transportation, and skills needed to join the workforce and become independent
• Provide after –school programs to assist young students with homework
Web 2.0• Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services
(IRIS) Facebook (CLICK HERE to access page)
• No Kid Hungry Facebook (CLIKC HERE to access page)
Benefits: • These pages allow individuals the opportunity to
stay connected to what is constantly occurring around the world.
• They encourage the sharing of videos, ideas, fundraisers, and articles regarding efforts to eliminate stress amongst those who lack resources.
• Individuals around the world can learn about strategies they can use from these shared sources in order to reach out to struggling communities.