EDUCATING
HOMELESS CHILDREN
Information for Teachers
Signs
that may indicate that a child is homeless:
Chronic hunger and tiredness
- Erratic attendance and tardiness
- Grooming and personal hygiene/clothing that draws attention
- Consistent lack of preparation for school—coming in without books, supplies,
homework completed or papers signed
- Extremes in behavior—withdrawal, extreme shyness, nervousness,
aggression, anger
- Resistant to parting with personal possessions ( e.g. putting coat in locker)
How you can help a
homeless child in the classroom:
Maintain the child’s privacy—discuss his
homework situation away from other classmates; distribute school supplies in private
- Assign a "buddy" to help the homeless child
acclimate
- Help the child participate in field trips, school
activities and class projects through understanding of his/her living environment and
accessing resources
- Try to give the child a special job within the
classroom
- Look for special academic needs and arrange for
tutoring
- Offer encouragement and understanding and recognize
the child’s talents and accomplishments
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For questions or comments regarding
this site please mail:
mworthin@roe26.k12.il.us
