Get to Know Your Community

 

Amy Storrick

 

Intern Counselor

 

Jackson Middle School

 

Champlin, MN

 

Description of Lesson

 

Students in high school, about to enter the part-time work force, become introduced to their community and the businesses and resources in it.  This lesson is presented in 2- 30 minute classroom formats.

 

Objectives:

 

1.              Identify potential employers

2.              Become familiar with maps of their community

3.              Match school experience and interests with local businesses


Materials

 

City/County maps, yellow and white pages, Chamber of Commerce literature.  Paper, pen, or pencil.

 

Session

 

1.              Separate classroom into groups of two.  Have students list the courses they enjoy in school.

2.              Have students identify businesses that they know in their community, but would like to obtain more information.

3.              Have students use Chamber of Commerce literature, yellow and white pages to obtain more information.  If possible, use Internet for an expanded research by teams.

4.              Using paper, have the students draw a map of the business they would like to research, businesses surrounding it, and roads it would take for the student to drive to it from home and school.

5.              Have students then list potential jobs in that company based on their research and what education/training it would take for those positions.

6.              Walking tours or informational interviews could be integrated into this lesson if time is extended.

 

 

 

Evaluation:

 

Students present what they have learned to the class in 2-5 minute presentations.  They should have a drawn map and a short written description of what they have learned, numbers, and people to contact for more information.

 

Connections to Related Standard, Competencies, and Domains

 

The classroom guidance lesson on community resources relates to the Personal/Social and Career domains of the Minnesota School CounselorsŐ Model of Developmental Guidance and Counseling.

 

References:

 

Kelly, J. M. and Volz-Patton, R. (n.d.)  Career Skills. Pgs 43-45, as cited in The Nebraska Career Guidance Program Handbook, (1989).