Pre-reading Activities

1. Life in a Juvenile Detention Center: In Holes, Stanley goes to a correctional camp in Texas. How do you think teenagers should be treated by the judicial system? Use the link below to let Jay take you on a tour of the Arizona detention center where he is being held.

http://www.lawforkids.org/justice/justice.cfm When finished, write a letter to Jay in your gem journal letting him know what you gained from hearing his story.

2. Homelessness. Stanley's friend was homeless before he came to camp. Create a brochure that discusses homelessness in our country. In your brochure answer the following questions: Why are people homeless? How do people become homeless? About how many people are homeless? How many of the homeless are children? What programs are available to help the homeless? What can we do to help the homeless in America? Use the links below to obtain your information.

• Gutter Tribe: Kids on the Street from The Austin Chronicle http://www.austinchronicle.com/gallery/
• National Center for Homeless Education http://www.serve.org/nche/
• National Coalition for the Homeless http://www.nationalhomeless.org/
• National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty http://www.nlchp.org/
• StandUp for Kids On-Line http://www.standupforkids.org/
• Other Ideas:
• Homeless in America
• Facts About Homelessness
• Ten Essentials: Factsheets for Kids
• Homeless: Common Questions
• Who is homeless?

3) Bullying and Teasing. Teasing and bullying in schools is a problem that can have devastating and lifelong effects -- both for the bully and their victims. Remember Stanley was a victim of bullying at school before he came to Camp Green Lake. Brainstorm ideas and create a flyer with tips on how to overcome bullies. What are some tactics that you shouldn’t use to deal with bullies? What should you expect from a bully? Also think about reasons for bullies’ actions. The following website may help you with your research.

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov