As part of their reading of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee, class members consider what it would take to survive living on their own. Using the provided worksheet, individuals list their needs and decide where they would seek shelter.

Concepts

maniac magee, homelessness, point of view, making decisions, responding to literature, responding to reading, jerry spinelli

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members journal about where they would want to be left alone overnight

Classroom Considerations

• Research the living situations and backgrounds of class members before presenting the activity
• Consider gathering non perishable food or items to donate to a homeless shelter

Pros

• Hands-on-activity allows children to think and learn about real-world issues 
• All supporting materials are included

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.4.1.a W.4.1.b W.5.1.a W.5.1.b SL.4.1.a SL.5.1.a W.6.1.a W.6.1.b SL.6.1.a