New Reader for those who live on Skid Row in Los Angeles

Colleagues,

Here's a Smithsonian article about a book for teaching English with homeless adults.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/textbook-helps-teach-english-downtown-los-angeles-skid-row-180968112/

The Skid Row Reader, is a book of essays and texts that center on experiences  to which homeless adults, may relate. "The lead singer of the metal band Lamb of God, Randall Blythe, for instance, contributed an essay about his move West and living on the streets. The reader also includes 'The Gettysburg Address.' ”
 
Do you teach homeless adults? If so, what's your approach? What readings do you use?
 
David J. Rosen
djrosen123@gmail.com
 

 

Comments

I read these stories and was struck the raw nature of the narratives. For example, Event Horizon says, "We take it for granted that our lives, our stories, the places we inhabit, the foods we eat, the drinks we drink, the conversations we have, the entertainment we enjoy, the smells we smell, the sounds we hear and the clothes we wear will stay constant." 

Yankee Jim goes on to say, "It is important to find a lasting way to transmit your history...." So what can we do with this resource in our classroom? The stories are short and each class period, teachers and students could read one story and then discuss it. In addition to a discussion about the topic, we could explore how the author chose to convey their idea. What langague was used? Then, we could have students work on their own narratives about experiences. Or, they could even write a response to what they just read. 

What ideas do you have to use this in your classroom?
Kathy