Topic: Homelessness

10-second review: Some suggestions on how to help homeless children gain some confidence in a life of fear.

Title: “Homelessness, poverty and Children’s Literacy Development.” D Walker-Dalhouse and VJ Risko. Reading Teacher (September 2008), 48-86. A publication of the International Reading Association (IRA).

Summary: In 2003, 550,000 families of young children were homeless in the U.S. These children come to school while living in fear. Make the classroom a safe place for them. Give instructional resources to take home and don’t be concerned that they might not be returned. Have in-school programs for parents and children together.

Comment: These suggestions are fraught with problems. They might not help much, but they are a beginning. I’m a big believer that once you begin, you will find other ways to help. RayS.

The purpose of this blog, English Updates, is to review interesting contemporary (2008-2009) articles from professional English education journals at all levels—elementary, middle school, junior high school, high school and college.