Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA - National Coalition ...

HATE, VIOLENCE, AND DEATH ON MAIN STREET USA2008HOMELESS EDUCATION CURRICULUMBelow is a synopsis* of the curriculum adopted by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Itwas created by Miami-Dade County Public Schools in collaboration with the Miami-DadeCounty Homeless Trust to capture students’ attention <strong>and</strong> foster an appreciation of thechallenges that homeless people face.Pre-K <strong>and</strong> Kindergarten:Lesson Plan: An Underst<strong>and</strong>ing of HomelessnessTo give children an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of the needs that we all have to be comfortable <strong>and</strong>comforted.Grades 1-3:Lesson Plan: An Underst<strong>and</strong>ing of HomelessnessEncourage predictions <strong>and</strong> assumptions from children about why people carry bags<strong>and</strong> suitcases.Grades 4-5:Lesson Plan: A Car for a Home/Shelter in a BoxEncourage predictions <strong>and</strong> assumptions from children about why people sleep in boxesor on the street. Provide students with an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of the extent of the problemof homelessness.Grades 6:Lesson Plan: Who are they/should we care/what does it mean?Students will compare <strong>and</strong> contrast the definition of what it means to be homeless <strong>and</strong>identify strategies that can raise sensitivity for anyone in the group.Grades 7-8:Lesson Plan: What is Homelessness?This lesson will provide students with an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of what homelessness is, whoit can affect, <strong>and</strong> how they can make a difference.Grades 9-12Lesson Plan: Homelessness: Fact or MythStudents will examine their preconceived notions of the homeless, learn who thehomeless are, underst<strong>and</strong> philanthropic efforts to improve the conditions of homelesschildren, <strong>and</strong> explore ways to help the homeless.*Lesson plans <strong>and</strong> descriptions were taken directly from Project Upstart Homeless Children &Youth Program’s Homeless Education Curriculum Manual.59