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etc. in is their possession in a back pack, fanny pack, or purse.

Tracking the trip the sun makes across the sky during the day from sunrise to sunset can teach children about the rotation of the earth, directions, and the sun's apparent distance or closeness can be used to illustrate the difference between the heat and coldness of the season. During the spring parents can help child find and look at the tiny leaves beginning to emerge on the tree branches, flower or plant shoots pushing their way up out of the ground, etc. and explain the season in relationship to the sun and the warmth or coolness of the air.

Since most bird's eggs hatch and most animals give birth during the spring, parents can introduce young children to the animals that are indigenous to the area the tent city is located in like squirrels, jackrabbits, and birds. This activity could also act as a counting activity or a game of I Spy'. Rely Poly's and other harmless insects can provide another science lesson.

Beautifying the Area in and Around Tent Cities and Homeless Shelters

Packets of flower seeds can be found at dollar stores and dirt can usually be gathered in the area. Helping children, or having older children, plant seeds in plastic containers, in front of or around tents in a tent city or homeless shelter can not only be used to teach children about the growth cycle of plants, once flowers bloom they provide color, a pleasant scent, and something pretty to brighten up an otherwise drab and depressing atmosphere.

Paper lunch sacks can be used to gather samples of the natural world like leaves, twigs, flowers, etc. Parents could work with their children to gather and dry these items and turn them into something decorative inside or right outside the tent. A variety of vases can be purchased at dollar, art and craft, and discount stores for a small cost. Small fish bowls or other clear plastic containers can be used to collect colored rocks, etc.

Providing children and parents with a sense of community after having lost contact with neighbors and friends is another important piece of homelessness that needs to be addressed. Some tent cities have organized hot dog roasts, put on simple plays, and even found a way to show movies. This has helped create a sense of community for everyone and helps create at least a partial sense of normalcy.

Making residential settings, tents, apartments for homeless families, shelters, and other areas attractive, keeping children active, and providing a learning environment will help children and their parents or other family members focus on hope, sharing, love, and the conviction that things will get better.

Learn more about this author, Jerrie Lynn South-DeRose.
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