Sanctuary Home
Kearria Allen
BEFORE YOU READ:
1. What is a sanctuary? Look at the images below. What does sanctuary mean in those different contexts? Write a caption for each image.
2. What does sanctuary mean to you?
Home is not defined by the structure that surrounds us. It is a place where I can breathe freely and cry without feeling the need to explain myself. Home is where love remains constant, even on the hardest days. It is where laughter rises above chaos and cherished memories are made in every corner.
When my sister and nieces come to visit, we spend time playing games, watching movies, and sharing laughter. Afterward, we gather around the table for dinner as a family. Once the day comes to an end and we say our goodbyes, I go to my room where I can relax, reflect, and recharge.
Home is not just a floor, four walls, and a roof. It is a place where I feel safe, and completely at ease. It is where I can truly be myself. It’s my sanctuary.
AFTER YOU READ:
1. What are the characteristics of Kearria’s sanctuary? Be specific. Cite evidence from the text.
2. Do you have a place that feels like a sanctuary? If so, what are its characteristics?
3. Study how Kearria uses commas. Identify the comma rules she is following.
4. We use the present tense to describe things we do regularly. Note where Kearria does this in the text. Write sentences that describe your habits.
5. Make a slideshow presentation about a sanctuary that matters to you.
Kearria Allen is a student in the Oakton College Adult Education Program in Skokie, Illinois, and a dedicated paraprofessional. She wants to strengthen her own skills so she can better support children in developing their literacy, confidence, and academic abilities. Kearria is committed to lifelong learning and making a positive impact on the lives of students and families in her community.