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      7^th, 8^th, 9^th Grade Class Meetings

9/3/15      Meet the Spartans @ 7:00

9/3/15      10^th, 11^th, 12^th 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.