The Oasis - Bursting Stereotypes

Students identify stereotypes about homelessness and reflect on the negative impacts stereotypes may have for people experiencing homelessness accessing health services. They complete a table where they look at views that may be responsible for reinforcing particular stereotypes about homelessness. Students then ‘burst’ their stereotypes by physically popping balloons.

Key ideas to explore:

• Negative stereotypes are sometimes attached to people experiencing homelessness.
• A more realistic view of the problem of youth homelessness is needed in order to help address the issue.
• There are many ways to effectively challenge and address negative stereotypes about youth homelessness.