Increasing Pre-Service Teachers' Awareness of Children Experiencing Homelessness

Presenter Information

Rachael Waller, Montana State University-Billings
Melissa Sullivan-Walker, Montana State University-Billings

Document Type

Article

Abstract

As homelessness becomes a growing issue in the United States, children experiencing homelessness can be educationally at risk. However, teachers can make a significant difference for these children. In this study, we sought to increase empathy and understanding for children experiencing homelessness for the pre-service teachers whom we teach. Using the windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors framework (Bishop, 1990), we implemented an activity in which pre-service teachers read and discussed children's books portraying different types of homelessness. This paper will articulate how students made connections with the texts and deepened their understanding and empathy about children experiencing homelessness.

Recommended Citation

Waller, Rachael and Sullivan-Walker, Melissa () "Increasing Pre-Service Teachers' Awareness of Children Experiencing Homelessness," The Reading Professor: Vol. 47: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholar.stjohns.edu/thereadingprofessor/vol47/iss1/7