By: Kya Styles and Georgia Coker Latchkey Children By: Kya Styles and Georgia Coker

Essential Questions How do latchkey children act in school? What are effects of being a latchkey child?

What We Knew? They tend to not be interested in school They act out for attention They take up their time by doing bad things (ex; drugs/alcohol/sexual activity) The movie Home Alone is an ex. of the negative affects that latch keying has on children

Summary Latchkey Child is a term used to describe children who go home alone afterschool while their guardians are at work, school, or any other occupation away from home. A study in the U.S. shows that 33% of third graders, 44% of fourth graders, and over 50% of fifth graders admit to going home alone and watching themselves without supervision. This absence of a parental figure at home can affect to the child's success in the classroom. It is proven that when students must take care of themselves after school or sports, etc., they tend to have lower academic and social achievements. Deborah Belle found that children who experience self care are more likely to be bored, afraid, lonely, and unfocused in the classroom. These feelings come from no consistent parental figure in their everyday lives. Students who are not “latchkey children” seem to do better in academics and school in general than those who are considered “latchkey”.

AGREE? ; DISAGREE? We agree that making children take care of themselves starting at a young age has a negative affect on their future.

Q & A What percentage of students in elementary and middle school go home alone after school? 12% Children who take care of themselves are at risk for..? Academic and social emotional problems

What teachers can do to help Latchkey children… Teachers can give them attention and get to know them on a personal level They can be a positive role model for latchkey students, (almost like a parent figure)

Short Video Clip: Latchkey Children http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz3cDCBNnt8

Sources http://education . Stateuniversity.com/pages/2158/Latchkey-children.html http://www.google.com/search?q=latchkey+kid&biw=1366&bih=651&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=kB1RVISNJe_IsATr5YDgBQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&surl=1&safe=active Teachers, Schools, and Society A Brief Introduction to Education-David Sadker