December 2014

December Unit Topic: Holiday Celebrations

DAILY LIVING SKILLS / WORK SKILLS

Topic Story 1: This is Hanukkah – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Hanukkah. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 2: This is Christmas – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Christmas. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 3: This is Kwanzaa – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Kwanzaa. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 4: This is Las Posadas – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Las Posadas. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Short Story 1:  Happy Hanukkah –This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Hanukkah.

Short Story 2: Merry Christmas – This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Christmas.

Short Story 3: Happy Kwanzaa – This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Kwanzaa.

Short Story 4: Las Posadas – This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Las Posadas.

Greeting Cards & Gift Tags – In this lesson students are to select an appropriate greeting card and send it to a friend or family member. Students will also learn how to put a gift tag on a package to identify who it is for and who it is from.

Recipes – These lessons focus on measurement skills and tools for volume (dry and liquid measure when cooking). Students will have to opportunity to make dishes traditionally served at holiday celebrations, including Sweet Potato Pie for Kwanzaa, Latkes for Hanukkah and Gingerbread cookies for Christmas.

Crafts – Job Club activities this month focus on craft projects that can be used to contribute to an “office party.” Students will have the opportunity to make crafts representing different holiday celebrations, including Kwanzaa Mats, Dreidels and Piñatas.

Holiday Party – An important part of successful employment is demonstrating good social skills. During holidays, offices often have a social party. In this activity, students will prepare for a holiday party. Students may serve dishes and use crafts made in previous lessons.

Classroom Vocational Activities - Students will participate in simulated work activities. 

FUNCTIONAL MATH

What’s in My “Wallet? – This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require students to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.

Time Matters – The activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

Money Matters – This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account.

FUNCTIONAL READING

Each week students will read an adapted article based on their current instructional level. They will complete corresponding activities, including following a recipe. This month's topics include Rudolph TV Special, Toys for Tots and New Year’s Eve.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec. 1^st – No School

Dec. 10^th – Community Based Instruction Trip to Laurel Mall

TBD – Holiday Party

*Mon/Tues/Thurs - Avenues
*Tues/Fri - Ashland Library
*Weds/Thurs - Food Shop @ MAC
*Weds/Fri - Child Development
*Thurs - Sosar Physical Therapy
*Mon/Weds - Boyers/Laundromat 
*Selected students only

November Unit Topic: Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov. 7th - Distribution of Report Cards 
Nov. 10th - No School for Students (Parent-Teacher Conferences) 
Nov. 12th - School Board meeting at 9:00 in front of student body
Nov. 20th - CBI Trip to Salvation Army - please return permission slips

*Mon/Tues/Thurs - Avenues
*Tues/Fri - Ashland Library
*Weds/Thurs - Food Shop @ MAC
*Weds/Fri - Child Development
*Thurs - Sosar Physical Therapy
*Mon/Weds - Boyers/Laundromat 
*Selected students only
 
DAILY LIVING SKILLS

Topic Story 1- A Night to Remember: This story focuses on understanding the possible effects of drinking alcohol. It is about Matt, a young man who is 21 years old and decides to drink alcohol when he is out with friends. During the story we follow Matt through this eventful night and see the consequences of making poor choices. After reading and discussing the story students will answer comprehension questions. 

Topic Story 2 - Maya Says No: This story focuses on understanding the need to be able to say no in various situations. It follows Maya as she faces many people making poor choices about using alcohol, drugs and tobacco. After reading and discussing the story students will answer comprehension questions. 

Article 1 - "Alcohol and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about drinking alcohol. We will discuss the following questions - Is alcohol a drug? Do you have to drink alcohol is you are 21 years old? Can alcohol change  how you feel? Is drinking alcohol a choice everyone should make for themselves? Students will participate in a True or False Activity in which students will expand their knowledge of alcohol and its effect on people. 

Article 2 - "Tobacco and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about using tobacco. We will discuss the following questions - Is tobacco a drug? Can tobacco harm  you? Is it hard to stop using tobacco once you start? Is using tobacco a choice everyone should make for themselves? Students will participate in an activity called "Peer Pressure: Would a Friend Say This?" 

Article 3 - "Drugs and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about using drugs. We will discuss the following questions - When is it good to take drugs? Can drugs harm you? Is it a good idea to take drugs that are illegal? Should you take drugs that a doctor gave someone else? Is taking drugs, not given to you by your doctor, something someone else can make you do? Students will participate in an activity called "Know Your Noes." This activity involves role-playing to practice a variety of ways to be assertive and practice refusal skills when necessary. 

Rights and Responsibilities - Understanding Drugs: It is important for students to understand their individual rights. It is also important to understand that with the privilege of individual rights, comes personal responsibility. This month's topic is related to using drugs. Students will discuss specific individual rights and role-play scenarios depicting rights and responsibilities. 

Problem Solving Game - Making Good Choices: The problem situation cards this month revolve around making good choices in handling peer pressure. This lesson's game is designed to foster discussion about common daily events or situations. Students will be lead through a problem solving process by answering a series of questions about each scenarios on the game board. 

Social Trivia - This daily lesson offers students the opportunity to discuss social skills. Questions may include: (1) What is a good way to act in this situation? (2) What is a good thing to say? (3) How can the wrong response interfere with friendships or relationships with others?

Everyday Communication - This lesson addresses the important skill of communication. Each month, a poster is presented introducing a skill for building effective communication in a variety of daily situations at work, at home and in the community. This month's poster topic is "Apologizing."

FUNCTIONAL MATH

Money Matters - This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account.

What's in My Wallet - This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require students to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.

Time Matters - The activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

3-Way Planning - This lesson provides a story that focuses on a strategy for money management called 3-Way Planning. The concept of 3-Way Planning is to determine priorities for spending and saving money. The three components are: (1) Money for something you need now. (2) Money saved short term for something special. (3) Money saved for a long-term purchase or emergency. In addition to the story, students are presented with real-life budgeting situations.

WORK SKILLS

Job Exploration - Students will explore jobs within 2 different job categories. They will discuss the job category, location and specific job title. The students will indicate preferences on a checklist. They will also be given 2 help wanted ads to read and discuss. After reading and discussing both help wanted ads, students will select the job that most closely matches their preferences and skills. Students will apply for this job in a later lesson.

Applications and Interviews - Students will complete application for job selected in previous lesson and role-play corresponding job interview.

Job Interest Surveys - Animal Care, Food Service, Retail and Factory jobs are explored this month.

Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Finish the Job, Be Willing to Learn New Things and Be Careful at Work.

Classroom Vocational Activities - Students will participate in simulated work activities. 

FUNCTIONAL READING
Each week students will read an adapted article based on their current instructional level. They will complete corresponding activities, including following a recipe. This month's topics include: FeederWatch, Sprint Cup Racing, Penguins of Madagascar, Thanksgiving Parades

November Unit Topic: Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov. 7th - Distribution of Report Cards 
Nov. 10th - No School for Students (Parent-Teacher Conferences) 
Nov. 12th - School Board meeting at 9:00 in front of student body
Nov. 20th - CBI Trip to Salvation Army

*Mon/Tues/Thurs - Avenues
*Tues/Fri - Ashland Library
*Weds/Thurs - Food Shop @ MAC
*Weds/Fri - Child Development
*Thurs - Sosar Physical Therapy
*Mon/Weds - Boyers/Laundromat 
*Selected students only
 
DAILY LIVING SKILLS

Topic Story 1- A Night to Remember: This story focuses on understanding the possible effects of drinking alcohol. It is about Matt, a young man who is 21 years old and decides to drink alcohol when he is out with friends. During the story we follow Matt through this eventful night and see the consequences of making poor choices. After reading and discussing the story students will answer comprehension questions. 

Topic Story 2 - Maya Says No: This story focuses on understanding the need to be able to say no in various situations. It follows Maya as she faces many people making poor choices about using alcohol, drugs and tobacco. After reading and discussing the story students will answer comprehension questions. 

Article 1 - "Alcohol and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about drinking alcohol. We will discuss the following questions - Is alcohol a drug? Do you have to drink alcohol is you are 21 years old? Can alcohol change  how you feel? Is drinking alcohol a choice everyone should make for themselves? Students will participate in a True or False Activity in which students will expand their knowledge of alcohol and its effect on people. 

Article 2 - "Tobacco and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about using tobacco. We will discuss the following questions - Is tobacco a drug? Can tobacco harm  you? Is it hard to stop using tobacco once you start? Is using tobacco a choice everyone should make for themselves? Students will participate in an activity called "Peer Pressure: Would a Friend Say This?" 

Article 3 - "Drugs and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about using drugs. We will discuss the following questions - When is it good to take drugs? Can drugs harm you? Is it a good idea to take drugs that are illegal? Should you take drugs that a doctor gave someone else? Is taking drugs, not given to you by your doctor, something someone else can make you do? Students will participate in an activity called "Know Your Noes." This activity involves role-playing to practice a variety of ways to be assertive and practice refusal skills when necessary. 

Rights and Responsibilities - Understanding Drugs: It is important for students to understand their individual rights. It is also important to understand that with the privilege of individual rights, comes personal responsibility. This month's topic is related to using drugs. Students will discuss specific individual rights and role-play scenarios depicting rights and responsibilities. 

Problem Solving Game - Making Good Choices: The problem situation cards this month revolve around making good choices in handling peer pressure. This lesson's game is designed to foster discussion about common daily events or situations. Students will be lead through a problem solving process by answering a series of questions about each scenarios on the game board. 

Social Trivia - This daily lesson offers students the opportunity to discuss social skills. Questions may include: (1) What is a good way to act in this situation? (2) What is a good thing to say? (3) How can the wrong response interfere with friendships or relationships with others?

Everyday Communication - This lesson addresses the important skill of communication. Each month, a poster is presented introducing a skill for building effective communication in a variety of daily situations at work, at home and in the community. This month's poster topic is "Apologizing."

FUNCTIONAL MATH

Money Matters - This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account.

What's in My Wallet - This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require students to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.

Time Matters - The activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

3-Way Planning - This lesson provides a story that focuses on a strategy for money management called 3-Way Planning. The concept of 3-Way Planning is to determine priorities for spending and saving money. The three components are: (1) Money for something you need now. (2) Money saved short term for something special. (3) Money saved for a long-term purchase or emergency. In addition to the story, students are presented with real-life budgeting situations.

WORK SKILLS

Job Exploration - Students will explore jobs within 2 different job categories. They will discuss the job category, location and specific job title. The students will indicate preferences on a checklist. They will also be given 2 help wanted ads to read and discuss. After reading and discussing both help wanted ads, students will select the job that most closely matches their preferences and skills. Students will apply for this job in a later lesson.

Applications and Interviews - Students will complete application for job selected in previous lesson and role-play corresponding job interview.

Job Interest Surveys - Animal Care, Food Service, Retail and Factory jobs are explored this month.

Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Finish the Job, Be Willing to Learn New Things and Be Careful at Work.

Classroom Vocational Activities - Students will participate in simulated work activities. 

FUNCTIONAL READING
Each week students will read an adapted article based on their current instructional level. They will complete corresponding activities, including following a recipe. This month's topics include: FeederWatch, Sprint Cup Racing, Penguins of Madagascar, Thanksgiving Parades.

November Unit Topic: Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 7th - Distribution of Report Cards 
Nov. 10th - No School for Students (Parent-Teacher Conferences) 
Nov. 12th - School Board meeting at 9:00 in front of student body
Date TBD - CBI Trip to Salvation Army

*Mon/Tues/Thurs - Avenues
*Tues/Fri - Ashland Library
*Weds/Thurs - Food Shop @ MAC
*Weds/Fri - Child Development
*Thurs - Sosar Physical Therapy
*Mon/Weds - Boyers/Laundromat 
*Selected students only
 
DAILY LIVING SKILLS

Topic Story 1- A Night to Remember: This story focuses on understanding the possible effects of drinking alcohol. It is about Matt, a young man who is 21 years old and decides to drink alcohol when he is out with friends. During the story we follow Matt through this eventful night and see the consequences of making poor choices. After reading and discussing the story students will answer comprehension questions. 

Topic Story 2 - Maya Says No: This story focuses on understanding the need to be able to say no in various situations. It follows Maya as she faces many people making poor choices about using alcohol, drugs and tobacco. After reading and discussing the story students will answer comprehension questions. 

Article 1 - "Alcohol and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about drinking alcohol. We will discuss the following questions - Is alcohol a drug? Do you have to drink alcohol is you are 21 years old? Can alcohol change  how you feel? Is drinking alcohol a choice everyone should make for themselves? Students will participate in a True or False Activity in which students will expand their knowledge of alcohol and its effect on people. 

Article 2 - "Tobacco and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about using tobacco. We will discuss the following questions - Is tobacco a drug? Can tobacco harm  you? Is it hard to stop using tobacco once you start? Is using tobacco a choice everyone should make for themselves? Students will participate in an activity called "Peer Pressure: Would a Friend Say This?" 

Article 3 - "Drugs and You: Get the Facts!" - Students will read and discuss the article that shares information about using drugs. We will discuss the following questions - When is it good to take drugs? Can drugs harm you? Is it a good idea to take drugs that are illegal? Should you take drugs that a doctor gave someone else? Is taking drugs, not given to you by your doctor, something someone else can make you do? Students will participate in an activity called "Know Your Noes." This activity involves role-playing to practice a variety of ways to be assertive and practice refusal skills when necessary. 

Rights and Responsibilities - Understanding Drugs: It is important for students to understand their individual rights. It is also important to understand that with the privilege of individual rights, comes personal responsibility. This month's topic is related to using drugs. Students will discuss specific individual rights and role-play scenarios depicting rights and responsibilities. 

Problem Solving Game - Making Good Choices: The problem situation cards this month revolve around making good choices in handling peer pressure. This lesson's game is designed to foster discussion about common daily events or situations. Students will be lead through a problem solving process by answering a series of questions about each scenarios on the game board. 

Social Trivia - This daily lesson offers students the opportunity to discuss social skills. Questions may include: (1) What is a good way to act in this situation? (2) What is a good thing to say? (3) How can the wrong response interfere with friendships or relationships with others?

Everyday Communication - This lesson addresses the important skill of communication. Each month, a poster is presented introducing a skill for building effective communication in a variety of daily situations at work, at home and in the community. This month's poster topic is "Apologizing."

FUNCTIONAL MATH

Money Matters - This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account.

What's in My Wallet - This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require students to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.

Time Matters - The activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

3-Way Planning - This lesson provides a story that focuses on a strategy for money management called 3-Way Planning. The concept of 3-Way Planning is to determine priorities for spending and saving money. The three components are: (1) Money for something you need now. (2) Money saved short term for something special. (3) Money saved for a long-term purchase or emergency. In addition to the story, students are presented with real-life budgeting situations.

WORK SKILLS

Job Exploration - Students will explore jobs within 2 different job categories. They will discuss the job category, location and specific job title. The students will indicate preferences on a checklist. They will also be given 2 help wanted ads to read and discuss. After reading and discussing both help wanted ads, students will select the job that most closely matches their preferences and skills. Students will apply for this job in a later lesson.

Applications and Interviews - Students will complete application for job selected in previous lesson and role-play corresponding job interview.

Job Interest Surveys - Animal Care, Food Service, Retail and Factory jobs are explored this month.

Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Finish the Job, Be Willing to Learn New Things and Be Careful at Work.

Classroom Vocational Activities - Students will participate in simulated work activities. 

FUNCTIONAL READING
Each week students will read an adapted article based on their current instructional level. They will complete corresponding activities, including following a recipe. This month's topics include: FeederWatch, Sprint Cup Racing, Penguins of Madagascar, Thanksgiving Parades. 
   

Week of October 20, 2014

Unit Topic: Feelings & Emotions

FYI

Permission slips will be sent home Monday for Community Based Instruction trip to May’s on October 31st. Students will have the opportunity to eat breakfast and tour the restaurant to discuss employment.

PERSONAL BINDERS       

Please continue to check binders daily. Important notes regarding lunch money, gym clothes, special events, etc. will be in front pocket of binder.

DAILY LIVING SKILLS

     You Don’t Have to be Bad When You’re Mad-This story is about a young man named Parker who comes to work upset in the morning. He takes out his anger on objects in his way. Students will discuss how to behavior when they are upset or mad about something and answer comprehension questions related to story.

     Controlling My Feelings-This article focuses positive and negative ways to handle emotions as an adult. Students will discuss how handling emotions can have an impact on relationships. They will also complete an activity called “Feelings Thermometer” in which they will compare feelings to a temperature on a thermometer.

WORK SKILLS

     Applications & Interviews-Students will fill out application for the job chosen in previous lesson and role-play a corresponding job interview.

     Classroom Vocation Activities-Students will participate in simulated work activities.

MATH
     Money Matters - This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account, and will be used continuously throughout the month.
     What's in My Wallet - This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require team members to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.
     Time Matters - Activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

     3-Way Planning-Students will determine priorities for spending and saving

READING - This week's current events story is called "World Series.” Students will read an adapted article based on their instructional level and complete corresponding activities. We will end the week by following a recipe to make “World Series Smoothies.”

Week of October 13, 2014

Unit Topic: Feelings & Emotions

PERSONAL BINDERS - Please continue to check binders daily. Important notes regarding lunch money, gym clothes, special events, etc. will be in front pocket of binder.

DAILY LIVING SKILLS

     Mixed Up Feelings - This story provides an introductory framework for understanding feels and emotions. It is about a young woman who is having a morning filled with emotions. Students will discuss similar experiences and share what makes them feel happy, sad, anxious, relieved, etc. 

     How Do I Feel? - This article focuses on the different emotions we all have and how they might look, feel or sound. The students will also participle in an activity called "Exploring my Feelings." First, they will create a feelings chart. The second part of the activity will be a game called "Name That Feeling." Students will further explore feelings and how they may be expressed.

WORK SKILLS

     Job Exploration - Students will explore jobs within two different job categories. Students will discuss the job category, location and specific job title. They will mark preferences on checklist. Students will also be given two help wanted ads to read and discuss. After reading and discussing both help wanted ads, students will select the job that most closely matches their preferences and skills. Students will then apply for this job later this month. 

     Classroom Vocation Activities-Students will participate in simulated work activities.

MATH
     Money Matters - This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account, and will be used continuously throughout the month.
     What's in My Wallet - This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require team members to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.
     Time Matters - Activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

     3-Way Planning-Students will determine priorities for spending and saving

READING - This week's current events story is called "Native Americans’ Day.” Students will read an adapted article based on their instructional level and complete corresponding activities. We will end the week by following a recipe to make “Pow Wow Popcorn.”