Defining Home

I was apprehensive about beginning a unit on the concept of home in my high school art class. I’m still getting to know my students and was wary of delving in to such a personal topic without knowing what it might bring up for them. I want a curriculum centered on students’ lives, but also like to have an idea of what to expect.

I talked about my hesitation with a colleague who designed the unit. “Oh, no,” she encouraged. “This unit is great. I was a little worried about what would come out of it myself but the kids love getting the chance to explore the concept of home. We had some great discussions.” So, I planned the lessons and jumped in. 

That afternoon, a counselor sent an email. “I am putting a new student in your fourth-period class,” she said. Donna “has had some trouble at home.” There were no specifics so I went in person to find out more. I learned that Donna had been removed from her home and had been abused by her father, uncle and brother. She was scheduled to appear in front of a grand jury later that week. 

I explained that we were beginning a unit on the idea of home, and asked how she thought Donna would feel about it. The counselor said she would ask Donna and that if she was ok with it, she’d be in class.  “If not, I will keep her here and she can work on something else,” she said.

Donna was in class the next day. I greeted her warmly and introduced the lesson.  We began with a free-write on the idea of “home.” I tried not to hover as students wrote, but kept a close eye on their expressions. Donna wrote intently. I held my breath. 

When they were finished, we had a class discussion on their writing. Many students talked about how, for them, home meant family. Some brought up their pets, some discussed food, and some talked about their bedrooms. All of the associations so far were positive. 

“I don’t feel a tie to home at all,” one of my students said during a lull in the conversation.

“Tell us more,” I replied.

“Well, I’ve lived in so many homes that I don’t feel tied to any one, and I’m not very close to my family,” she said. “Well, I guess I’m close to my sister. She’s home for me.”

I thanked this student for her comments and snuck a glance at Donna. She was doodling. 

As my students were walking out at the end of class, Donna stopped. “Thank you for today,” she said. “It helped me to realize that my sister is my home, too.”

I don’t know what else this unit will bring up for Donna, or for any of my students. I just hope I can be here to listen. 

Ryan Fear is a high school dean of students in Oregon.