Thursday, September 12, 2013

Kids Learning About Hunger and Homelessness: Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen


September is Hunger Action Month . . . The boys and I have several projects planned this month to learn about hunger, how it affects others, and how we can help.

To start it off, I wanted to share a book with my kids to help us learn vocabulary about hunger and homelessness and provide a story to talk about these issues.  I was hoping it would help us kick off our brainstorming on what projects we wanted to do.

I chose Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen.  It is based on a true experience that the author had and is written from the point of view of a young boy.  Perfect for children!

We have had some experiences in helping those that are homeless.  (Here are a couple:  Making a Homeless Care Kit in a Sock and Delivering Care Packages to the Homeless)  It was natural for them to connect our experiences with the start of the book.

Some of the questions we discussed:
  • Why would people not have enough money to buy food?
  • Why are some people homeless?
  • What does it feel like when you are hungry?  When you are full?
  • How do you feel when you are alone with no one to help?
  • How does it feel when someone does something nice to you?
  • Have we ever made that much food before?  Think they'll eat it all?
  • How many people did Uncle Willie and the boy help?
  • What surprised you?

After we discussed the book, we brainstormed ways that we can help.  Here are our ideas (we'll update you on how each project goes):
Other Resources focused on hunger and Hunger Action Month
Moms Fighting Hunger on Facebook

Pinterest Boards: 
Fight Hunger by Sheila @ Pennies of Time
Be the Change by Jenni @ The Good Long Road

Posts for more information:
Put an End to Hunger in America:  Get the Whole Family Involved by Teach Mama
Bloggers Going Orange for Hunger Action Month by Kid Stuff World

 
 
 
 

1 comment:

  1. What a wonderful way to open a discussion about hunger with kids. I love your discussion questions.

    ReplyDelete