Children across the world are living at various levels of poverty. The challenges and barriers faced by families living in poverty are important considerations for educators as they plan for instruction and create positive learning environments. Rodrigues (2020) highlights that families who live at or below the poverty level “often have to choose between sending their child to school or providing other basic needs. Even if families do not have to pay tuition fees, school comes with the added costs of uniforms, books, supplies, and/or exam fees” (para. 5). As families may struggle with decisions to send their children to school, it is critical that educators are prepared to support students while at school and not underestimate the challenges and sacrifices that families may endure. The effects of living in poverty can have a direct influence on learning. Poverty impacts on literacy in and out of the academic setting are numerous. However, Giovetti (2020) highlights that “literacy is a powerful tool against poverty. If all students in low-income countries had basic reading skills, 171 million people could escape extreme poverty. Illiteracy comes at a high price” (para. 9). This presentation will discuss educational challenges associated with poverty and will offer readers classroom resources, instructional materials, and out-of-school activities to utilize in the academic setting. The authors will specifically share examples of digital storytelling, fan fiction, mentor texts, and video game quests.

Authors:
Amy Clark, Buena Vista University, United States
Jill Tussey, Buena Vista University, United States
Leslie Haas, Xavier University of Louisiana, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jill Tussey is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Buena Vista University in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

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