Teaching About Homelessness

It is difficult to teach about social issues. I use the service learning model in my classes. The premise posed to my class is this:

All citizens have a responsibility to help solve the social problems confronting our society today.

The issues: Hunger and Homelessness

The Challenge: Students in my class are asked to sleep outside in autumn weather and raise funds for the homeless.

The students are allowed card board boxes and sleeping bags.

Here they are - with the fire barrel. We got lucky - it was pretty mild not bone chilling cold.

After the experience the students are asked to write a short reflection piece. Then they proceed to do their research for their paper and final presentation.

Oh, yes - I stayed out there with them most of the night!