Skip to main content
Shelter Logo
Scotland

Your pupils can help put an end to homelessness

Why not use the resources and fundraising ideas below to empower your school community – and join the fight for everyone's right to a safe home? Get involved today!

Resources for the classroom

World Homelessness Day is on 10 October. Shelter Scotland have put together these resources to help your school community engage with our vital work and the issues of housing and homelessness – in October or any time throughout the year.

You can download and print the resources for your classroom or other school activity. The materials are designed for children aged 5-11, with some being more suitable for older pupils (aged 11-14). Please do adapt them to suit your specific context.

World Homelessness Day – Resources

A group of children at school around a table, talking and filling in worksheets

Homes in the community

Explore what community means and discuss themes of affordability, space, conditions and neighbourhoods within your local area.

Approximately 45 minutes.

A group of pupils looking at a book being held by the teacher, one child is pointing at the book

Needs and wants

What do you actually need to survive? What is a luxury? Does your class know the difference, and do they agree? Use this resource to help start a conversation.

Approximately 30 minutes.

Young children around a table with their teacher, choosing from lots of reading material

Reading for home

A resource to help you choose or recommend books that touch on the key issues in housing and homelessness. Use it to shape curriculum planning, or get some of these books for the library.

A selection of stacking cups in various colours, arranged in a pyramid

Stacking cups

A creative activity to help pupils understand the causes of homelessness. Reduce stigma and misconceptions around homelessness through the discussion pointers.

Approximately 30 minutes.

Children on a field trip in red t-shirts, watching their teacher point out and explain something interesting

Acrostic worksheet

Encourage children and young people to think about words they associate with homelessness, housing and Shelter Scotland's work. Can you help them choose some hopeful words too?

Approximately 20 minutes.

A selection of pencils and paintbrushes next to the Shelter Scotland logo

What home means to me

Making use of Shelter Scotland's logo, give students space to be creative. Use the drawings to generate conversation about the nature of home, and how Shelter Scotland's work is part of making sure there's a safe home for everyone.

Approximately 25 minutes, with the possibility to extend the conversation.

We’re here for everyone, but only with your support