Lesson Plan - “Anyone Can Be Homeless”

Engage and Connect

Before reading the article, display this quote from British journalist Dawn Foster: “The homeless often feel invisible . . . hidden in doorways from which people avert [turn] their eyes.” Invite students to reflect on the quote and their personal experiences. Then ask: How do some people react when they see a person who is experiencing homelessness? Why do you think people might respond the way they do? Students can think, pair, and share their ideas with the class.

Preview Vocabulary

Use the skill builder Words to Know to preteach the domain-specific terms domestic, federal, and nonprofit. Have students refer to the skill builder as they read

Read the Article

Read the article aloud or have students read it independently or in pairs. As students read, direct them to circle or highlight any words whose meanings they are unsure of. 

Answer Close-Reading Questions

Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.

• Identify the central idea of the section “Nowhere to Go.” (Central Idea)
This section informs readers that family conflict is the main cause of teen homelessness. It talks about which groups of teens face homelessness at higher rates. And it explains how conflict can cause a teen to leave home and face difficulty finding shelter and stability.

• How might feelings of shame affect how likely unhoused teens are to receive support for their situation at school? (Cause and Effect)
Teens experiencing homelessness often feel shame and try to hide their situation. As a result, they may be less likely to receive support at school. School districts are required to provide special services to unhoused students, but if students hide their situations, schools may not identify them as needing help.

• According to the section “Hiding in Plain Sight,” what is one step that can help prevent or reduce teen homelessness? (Key Details)
Possible answer: One of the steps that can help prevent or reduce teen homelessness is expanding prevention services, including mental health care and job training.

Take Action 

Find the “Your Turn” activity at the end of the article. Invite students to choose an action step and work in pairs or groups to make a difference in their community or state. 

Assess Comprehension

Assign the 10-question Know the News quiz, available in PDF and interactive forms. You can also use Quiz Wizard to assess comprehension of this article and three others from the issue.