The Oasis - Expanding Views Through Text

This lesson introduces the concepts surrounding homelessness and youth homelessness. Students begin to explore the term ‘couch surfing’ and how it affects people’s understanding of the issue of homelessness. The issues surrounding couch surfing are explored through listening to a radio interview with a young person experiencing homelessness. Students select three quotes from the interview and formulate short written responses to two prompts. Students then reflect on their understanding of couch surfing and explore the misconceptions that surround the term and choose the manner in which to present their ideas from a number of suggested options.

Key ideas to explore:

• Youth homelessness is often invisible.
• There are differences between being houseless and homeless.