1. Poverty and theChildren in Our SchoolsBy: Mark, Brighid, Cali, Christine,Ashley and Rachel

2. How Would You Define Poverty? 3. Student ResponsesThese are real responses from Grade 4 and 5students in North Bayfeeling ashamed when my dad cant get ajob.pretending that you forgot your lunch.being afraid to tell your Mom you need gymshoes.not buying books at the book fair.not getting to go on school trips. 4. Statistics Canadas DefinitionO LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) 5. MBM (Market Basket Measure)24919259242419825377272032533228148 6. Prevalence of Poverty 7. How Does Poverty AffectChildren in Our Schools? 8. HealthO Lack of sleepO Improper nutritionO Chronic illnesses and obesityO Personal Hygiene 9. Socially/MentallyO Low self-esteemO Feelings of shameO BullyingO Fear of being singled outO Belief that they are not smart enough, notgood enough, are not deservingO Additional stress, adult responsibilities 10. AcademicallyO Lack of parental supportO Inability to afford materials, school trips,etc.O Belief that theyll never be able tocontinue on to post-secondary educationanywaysO Unable to relate to materials 11. What Schools Can do to HelpO Reduce class sizesO Poverty-sensitivity training for staffO Provide scholarships and fundsO Provide services on site 12. What We as Teachers Can DoO Stop harassmentO Be approachableO Boost self-esteem, praise the successesO Worldly experiences in the classroomO Computers, newspapers, booksO Keep costs low, walk when possibleO Provide school suppliesO Value all your studentsO Do NOT change your expectations 13. What Do You Think We as Teachers Should Do? 14. We Are Not AloneThe issue of poverty has already beenaddressed by groups in the community.As teachers, we are in a unique position torecognize potential students in need anddirect them to programs, initiatives, andsupports that are already in place that mayhelp them and their families. 15. Available SupportO Champions for KidsO Boys and Girls ClubO Local Lions ClubsO Food BanksO YMCAO Salvation ArmyO United Ways Backpack For KidsProgramO The Back To School Program (Staplesand Salvation Army) 16. How To Use These SupportsO You can approach specific organizationsfor supplies for the school as a whole.O You can address the whole class andinform them about he supports in thecommunity.O You can put up a couple of posters inyour classroom. 17. Did you notice any communitysupports for impoverished childrenwhile you were on placement?What were they?Do you think they were effective? 18. Caution:1. Some of the fundraising tactics that schools use can be controversial2. Not all schools have direct links to community supports3. Students can get extremely offended if you approach them, regardless of whether they are in poverty or not.4. Teacher discretion is advised. 19. Aboriginal StudentsO In 2005, 3.8% of the countrys population identifiedas Aboriginal-First Nations (60%)-Mtis (33%)-Inuit (4%)O 21.7% of Aboriginals had incomes below StatisticsCanadas low income cut-off after tax, compared to11.1% for the non-Aboriginal identity populationO 43.7% of Aboriginal Canadians have less than asecondary education, compared to 23.1% for thenon-Aboriginal population. 20. http://www.canadianfeedthechildren.ca/where-we-work/canada/ 21. Education has the Power toEnd the Poverty Cycle http://www.etfo.ca/Multimedi a/Webcasts/OneInSix/Pages /default.aspx 22. Make a DifferencePoverty is a real issue in schools today and is moreprevalent then you may believe. How can weremedy this issue or begin to turn things around?Education is the most vital anti-poverty issue.Assumptions cannot be made about the resourcesavailable to students at home. Get to know whatyour school, the community, and variouscompanies have to offer, in order to help studentsbe as successful as possible. As a teacher ensurediscretion when providing information individuallyand discuss the various opportunities in a non-judgmental way with the entire class.