March 2016

Monthly Topic: Ouch, That Hurts!

This unit lessons cover various aspects of dealing with injuries including activities in the Transition Passport: Daily Living/Safety. As we assist our young adults in the transition from school to work, it is necessary that they receive training in taking care of themselves and others at home and in the work place. Understanding basic first aid to use in minor injuries as well as knowing when a situation is an emergency are important skills.

The unit stories help young adults learn about situations that could result in injuries. The first story shows how quickly an emergency can arise. Two friends take a walk in the woods on a sunny day. When one of the friends is seriously injured after falling down a steep hill, her friend must act quickly to get help. Issues of what to say when a 911 call is needed and the importance of staying calm are addressed. The second story follows a young man as he experiences a series of minor accidents at home. The emphasis of this story is on what to do for a minor injury as well as prevention measures that should be taken. Three articles further define first aid procedures and how to create a first-aid kit.

Regular monthly lessons are provided with a focus on practical math and money skills. Banking and budgeting are addressed. Daily living skills involved in cooking, including shopping for ingredients and following a recipe are also part of a regular monthly lesson, offering five recipes. Social and communication skills are the focus of lessons presenting social trivia and everyday communication scenarios. How to compromise is the focus of this month's scenario.

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. Simple, realistic scenarios address job skills and interactions at work. The final lesson highlights volunteering as a way to practice job skills and gain practical work experience. Job skills are emphasized as team members take on various tasks.

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.

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 1^st 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 2^nd grade student (Donations appreciated)

11/12/15      Anthracite Region Center for Independent Living Visit - 5^th/6^th 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

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

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. 

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.

 

 

 

 

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 3^rd 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 BY…offering to do the dishes, laundry and/or vacuum.