Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom is essential for students, especially for those in special education. One critical life skill that can be taught through SEL is applying for a job. In this blog post, we’ll discuss a no-prep activity, provide discussion questions, mention related skills, and share some next steps to help you teach job application skills to your students effectively.

Introduction

Applying for a job is a crucial life skill that every student should learn. For special education students, it’s essential to break down the process into smaller, manageable steps. This includes searching for available positions, understanding the application process, and preparing the necessary documents. By teaching these skills, you’ll empower your students to take control of their futures and successfully navigate the job market.

No-Prep Activity: Job Searching Scavenger Hunt

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and helps students practice searching for job opportunities. Here’s how it works:

1. Divide your students into small groups.
2. Assign each group a specific job type (e.g., summer, part-time, camp counselor, dishwasher) to search for online.
3. Give students a set amount of time (e.g., 10-15 minutes) to find as many job postings as they can related to their assigned job type.
4. After the time is up, have each group present their findings to the class and discuss the application process for each job they found.

This activity teaches students how to search for job opportunities and helps them become familiar with different types of job postings and application processes.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it essential to have all the necessary documents and information ready when applying for a job?
• What are some strategies for finding job opportunities in your community?
• How can networking with friends and family help you find job opportunities?
• What are some tips for creating a standout resume, even for entry-level positions?
• Why is patience important during the job application process?

Related Skills

Teaching job application skills opens the door to discussing other essential life skills with your students. Some related skills to consider teaching include:

• Interview skills: Preparing for job interviews and learning how to present oneself professionally.
• Time management: Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities.
• Communication skills: Effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors in a workplace setting.
• Problem-solving: Addressing challenges and conflicts that may arise on the job.

Next Steps

Now that you have some ideas for teaching job application skills to your special education students, it’s time to put these strategies into practice. To help you get started, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our skill-building materials. These resources will provide you with additional activities, discussion questions, and support for teaching job application skills and other essential life skills to your students.