Wednesday, November 4, 2015

November 2015: Time to Travel

November Unit Topic: 
Time to Travel

Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 570-874-0495 x2114 or amaziekas@northschuylkill.net.
Unit Overview
The focus of this month’s topic is travel. Lessons are designed to help students learn about all aspects of travel. Planning for a trip is emphasized including considerations for weather, transportation and scheduling. Travel safety and planning for emergencies is also stressed.  
The unit begins with two stories about a young adult, Tori, who is taking a trip. Time management is emphasized as Tori plans a trip to her grandmother’s house. Tori will fly by herself for the first time. The story includes a recurrent theme of managing time so that she is not late as she leaves on her trip. The second story follows Tori as she visits her grandmother. The two of them identify things they would like to do during Tori’s stay. They plan what they will do using a calendar. Once again the story shows readers the benefit of planning and using time effectively while traveling.
Next the unit offers three articles which expand on the theme of travel. Each article offers travel tips regarding a different aspect of travel. The first article addresses issues around planning to take a trip. The second article focuses on things to do at home before leaving. Taking care of pets, plans and the home are discussed. The final article gives tips for being a smart traveler who stays safe in new places and situations.
As always, this monthly unit offers lessons that teach and reinforce lifetime learning in the areas of money, math, budgeting, banking, cooking and communication. This month’s theme is continued with scenarios about travel as a basis for many of these lessons.
Final lessons emphasize job skills, Lessons address job-related skills such as reading want ads and completing applications, interviews and job interest surveys. The lessons focus on skills that are critical for a young adult’s transition for school to work.

Upcoming Events

TBD              CBI Trip to Frackville Fitness Center (Rescheduled from October)
TBD              CBI Trip to Salvation Army to help with Feed a Friend Project
11/2/15        District Coat Drive Begins
11/3/15        End of 1st Marking Period
11/9/15        Act 80 Day / Parent Conferences
11/11/15       School Board Meeting @ 8:00
11/12/15      Wear Jeans for the Troops (Donate $1)
11/13/15      Wear Jeans to benefit a 2nd grade student (Donations appreciated)
11/12/15      Anthracite Region Center for Independent Living Visit - 5th/6th periods
11/2/4/15    Wear Jeans for Diabetes Awareness
11/25/15      Early Dismissal @ 12:15
11/26/15      Thanksgiving No School
11/27/15      No School
11/30/15      No School

*TUESDAYS Habilitation
*TUESDAYS/FRIDAYS Ashland Library
*WEDNESDAYS Food Shop @ MAC
*THURSDAYS Greenhouse
*WEDNESDAYS/FRIDAYS Child Development
*THURSDAYS Sosar Physical Therapy
*TUESDAYS/FRIDAYS Boyers/Dollar General as needed

*Selected students only

Monday, October 5, 2015

October 2015

October Unit Topic: A Healthy Me
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 570-874-0495 x2114 or amaziekas@northschuylkill.net.

Unit Overview
The focus of this month’s topic is good nutrition. Lessons are designed to help students learn about having a balanced diet by making good food choices. Emphasis is placed on choosing food from different food groups and eating appropriate portions. The importance of including regular exercise is also stressed.
The unit begins with two stories about young adults who have to make choices about food and exercise. In the first story, Emily and Kyle make different choices when eating at a buffet restaurant. Kyle learns that just because you can eat all you want doesn’t mean you should. The second story follows the characters as Kyle explores different options for exercise. He finds that going to a gym is not fun for him. Emily shares with Kyle how he can get exercise while having fun by playing sports and other fun activities. The stores emphasize the importance of good nutrition and exercise for a healthy life.
The unit continues to expand on the theme of nutrition in the three articles provided. The articles define and describe the food groups that make up the USDA MyPlace program for good nutrition. Foods in each food group are discussed as well as the importance of eating foods from all of the food groups. Quantities and portion size are also described. The final article focuses on how to make good snack choices.
Other unit lessons emphasize real life skills. Lessons address simple banking concepts, telling time and following recipes. Students learn practical skills related to everyday life. Job Club lessons emphasize job skills as students read want ads and complete applications and job interest surveys. Learning about job options and making choices that fit their interests and skills are key concepts in these lessons.

Upcoming Events
10/2/15      Pep Rally
10/5/15       Wear BLUE to stop bullying
10/8/15      Student Picture Retakes
10/9/15       Act 80 Half Day (Dismissal @ 11:00)
10/12/15      Teacher In-Service Day
10/15/15      Great Shake Out Drill
10/16/15      Spirit Day RED Out
10/28/15     CBI Trip to Frackville Fitness Center
*TUESDAYS Habilitation
*TUESDAYS/FRIDAYS Ashland Library
*WEDNESDAYS Food Shop @ MAC
*THURSDAYS Greenhouse
*WEDNESDAYS/FRIDAYS Child Development
*THURSDAYS Sosar Physical Therapy
*TUESDAYS/FRIDAYS Boyers/Dollar General as needed

*Selected students only

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

September 2015

September Unit Topic:
Understanding Laws & Rights
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 570-874-0495 x2114 or amaziekas@northschuylkill.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS
9/2/15      Meet the Teacher @ 5:00pm
9/2/15      7th, 8th, 9th Grade Class Meetings
9/3/15      Meet the Spartans @ 7:00
9/3/15      10th, 11th, 12th Grade Class Meetings
9/4/15      District Pep Rally @ 1:30pm
9/5/15      Cardinal Brennan Community Tour
9/7/15       Labor Day No School
9/10/15     Hearing Tests Grades 7 & 11 only
9/10/15     Student Picture Day
9/15/15     Bus Evacuation Drill
9/30/15    Parent Involvement Session (Topic: Parent Portal) @ 5:00pm

*TUESDAYS Habilitation
*TUESDAYS/FRIDAYS Ashland Library
*WEDNESDAYS Food Shop @ MAC
*THURSDAYS Greenhouse
*WEDNESDAYS/FRIDAYS Child Development
*THURSDAYS Sosar Physical Therapy
*TUESDAYS/FRIDAYS Boyers/Dollar General as needed
Community Based Instruction Group Trip TBD
*Selected students only

FUNCTIONAL READING / DAILY LIVING SKILLS
        The unit begins with two stories about young adults who face challenges to their personal rights. In the first story, Jasmine has a job that she likes and does well at. When a new co-worker begins harassing her at work, Jasmine struggles to decide what to do. The story follows Jasmine as she finally share her concerns and gets the help she needs. In the second story, peer pressures is at play when a young man, Juan, is asked by a friend to steal from a store. Juan finds the strength to say no to someone he thought was a friend. Understanding the law and doing what is right is emphasized in this story. Throughout this unit students are learning about their rights and the laws that protect those rights. Lessons focus on:
§ rights in the workplace
§  laws and why it’s important to obey them
§  rights of individuals to make choices, have privacy, have relationships and be respected and safe
§  rights of individuals within the community
§  rights and the laws that protect those rights
§  right to earn and spend your own money
§  how to protect and assert your rights and the rights of others
§  right to choose by choosing to apply for a job
§  right to a safe workplace with appropriate accommodations

Problem Solving Game
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 scenario 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 "Self Advocacy: How to Get What I Need."


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
Building, Patient Care, Automotive and Clerical jobs are explored this month.

Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Be a Good Communicator, Don’t Be a Bully, Asking for Accommodations..


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.

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


3-Way Budget 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. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

April Unit Topic: Leisure Time


Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 570-874-0495 x2114 or amaziekas@northschuylkill.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 6 – No School
April 28 CBI Trip Bowling & Pizza Hut
May 29 – Last Day of School

*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: Time for Work & Play This story focuses on understanding the need to have a balance between work and fun. Students will read story, discuss why it’s good to take time for fun and time for work and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 2: Try It, You May Like It –This story focuses on understanding the importance of trying new things. Students will read story, discuss activities that students may be afraid to try and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Article 1:  I’m Board, What Can I Do? –This article is about the concept of free time. Students will discuss times of day when there is free time. They will discuss whether they prefer to be active or relax during free time and how they currently use this time. Students will also participate in an activity called “What I Like to Do?” in which we will sort activities according to whether they would like to do activity with family, friends or alone.

Article 2: Give Yourself a Break This article is about the physical and emotional benefits of having leisure time built into your day. Students will discuss how they feel after doing a fun activity. Students will also participate in an activity called “Time for a Break” in which we will look at the amount of time available for leisure activities.

Article 3: Making Leisure Plans –This article is about how to plan leisure time in order to get the most out of it. Students will discuss what they need to know to plan a leisure activity. Students will also participate in an activity called “Planning a Leisure Activity” in which they will complete a step by step list of what needs to be considered when planning their own leisure activities.

 Rights and Responsibilities - 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 leisure time. Students will discuss specific individual rights and role-play scenarios depicting rights and responsibilities. 


Problem Solving Game –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 scenario 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 "Calling for a Ride."


 

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 – Automotive, animal care, clerical, horticulture jobs are explored this month.



Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Work Before Play, My Boss or My Friend? and Watch Your Language.


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.

 
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.


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 Home, Civil War Anniversary, Tornado Season and The Canopy Project.

 

 

 

 

Monday, March 2, 2015

March Unit Topic: Mind Your Manners


UPCOMING EVENTS
March 17 CBI Trip STS “Buddy Ride” from Ashland Mini-Mart to Schuylkill Mall
Week of March 23 – CBI Trip out to eat (Location TBD)
March 27 – End of 3rd Marking Period

*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: Know Your Manners This story focuses on good manners while visiting someone. Students will read story, discuss what you should do when you are visiting and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 2: Use Good Manners –This story focuses on examples of bad manners. Students will read story, discuss thinking about other people and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Article 1:  The Magic Words –This article is about using words to show good manners. It focuses on common words and phrases that should be used to be polite and for good manners. Students will participate in an activity called “The Magic Words Bingo” in which students will play bingo by using scenarios that involve using polite words such as please and thank you.

Article 2: A Rule to Live By This article is about learning to treat others as you would like to be treated. Students will discuss why it is important to think about others. Students will also participate in an activity called “Good Manners; Bad Manners” in which students will listen to scenarios and decide if this is an example of good manners or bad manners.

Article 3: Respect –This article is about what it means to show other people respect. Students will participate in activity called “Showing Respect” in which they will create a modified acrostic poem to describe the word respect.

 Rights and Responsibilities - 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 good manners and threating others as we want to be treated. Students will discuss specific individual rights and role-play scenarios depicting rights and responsibilities. 


Problem Solving Game –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 scenario 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 "Asking Politely."


 

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 – Retail, food service, childcare and factory jobs are explored this month.



Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Follow Safety Rules at Work, Listen Carefully to Directions and Ask Questions if You Don’t Understand.


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.

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.

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 Secret Ocean 3D, Dawn Mission, Water for the World and Basketball

EARN EXTRA TICKETS BYoffering to do the dishes, laundry and/or vacuum.

 

 

 

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

February Unit Topic: My Community



UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb. 6 Interactive Bullying Lesson during homeroom
Feb. 13 Act 80 Day No School for Students
Feb. 16 Presidents’ Day No School

Feb. 17 STS Presentation


Feb. 24 CBI Trip STS “Buddy Ride” from Ashland Mini-Mart to Schuylkill Mall

*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 Day in My Community This story focuses on an adult who needs to run errands in his community. Students will discuss planning ahead, arranging transportation, etc. We will also answer comprehension questions related to story. 

Topic Story 2: Shopping with Amanda This story focuses on a young lady who goes shopping with her mother. . Students will ready story, discuss how it feels when someone is helpful and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Article 1:  Getting Around Your Community Safely This article is about ways to get from place to place in a community. It focuses on safety rules and procedures when walking or riding. Students will review steps for Crossing at a Stop Sign, Crossing at a Stoplight and Crossing Using Pedestrian Signs.  

Article 2: Being a Good Citizen This article focuses on the importance of being a good citizen of a community. Emphasis is placed on being a good neighbor, following rules and volunteering when needed. Students will participate in an activity called “Three in a Row.” This game encourages students to find things that support community participation. The game presents scenarios in 4 categories: Be Responsible, Be Active, Be Neat, Be a Good Neighbor. 

Article 3: Important Places in Your Community This article focuses on important places within the community that individuals may need to know as they move into adulthood. Locations discussed are post office, Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration office and Library. Students will complete a KWL Chart in which they will indicate which places in the community they are familiar with and also indicate those places they would like to learn more about. We will also complete a “Personal Fact Sheet” that will be helpful when filling out forms. 

 Rights and Responsibilities - 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 our community. Students will discuss specific individual rights and role-play scenarios depicting rights and responsibilities. 

Problem Solving Game
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 scenario 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 "Making a Purchase."


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
clerical, animal care, horticulture and food service jobs are explored this month.

Work Attitudes - Students will role-play job scenarios. This month's topics include Volunteer to Help When Needed, Stay Calm When Upset, and Treat Co-Workers with Respect.

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.

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.

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 Black History Month, Best Bagger Championship., Maple Syrup Time and Read Across America Day.