January 2016

This month’s newsletter focuses on one of the Transition Passport activities: Daily Living/Safety as covered in this month's topic of Safety Matters. As we assist our young adults in the transition from school to work, it is necessary that they receive training in being safe in their own homes. The unit provides an opportunity to focus on safety rules and procedures at home with special emphasis on safety in the kitchen.

The unit stories help young adults learn about safety through practical themes. The first story shows how a young man learns to cook with the help of his sister. As he prepares his lunch, he learns about safety in the kitchen. The safety rules in this story have practical application for the monthly recipe lesson. The second story focuses on safety in a new home. Two roommates check their apartment for safety from light bulbs to smoke alarms. Each story is followed by comprehension questions that address key points and help facilitate discussion. Three articles further explore safety issues by providing information on the safe use of kitchen appliances, safety during recreational activities and the safe use of household tools. Each article is followed by an activity designed to emphasize important content.

Other monthly lessons support practical application of math concepts with content that addresses time calculation, money problems, banking and budgeting. Realistic content and practical application are emphasized in these lessons. Social skills are stressed using a monthly calendar of social trivia as well as communication scenarios. This month addresses how to be a good listener.

Employment continues to be a regular focus for several lessons each month. Lessons include exploring different jobs, reading job ads, completing job applications and practicing interview skills. Positive attitudes on the job are addressed with simple, realistic scenarios that present examples of how to interact with coworkers and supervisors. The final lesson highlights volunteering as a way to practice job skills and gain practical work experience.