The Oasis - Building Critical Literacy and Breaking Stereotypes

Students explore the different types of homelessness in a word match game, then explore some of the ways news media portray youth homelessness by looking at and comparing a range of media articles covering the issue of homelessness. A Media Watch episode is used to guide students’ exploration of editorial positions adopted in media content and the effect that they can have on the public’s view of an issue. Students are asked to consider how the media uses existing stereotypes to reinforce their editorial stance, and the effect that these articles have on the public’s view of the issue of homelessness.

Key ideas to explore:

• Different individuals, groups and organisations in society respond to and portray youth homelessness differently.
• Stereotypes play a role in the creation of particular cultural perspectives.
• Whether students are empathetic in their own responses to stories of youth homelessness.