Collaboration!

    A few weeks ago my second grader asked me how people learn about jobs. First, a jolt of inadequacy: the carpenter's house is never done, right?  I recuperated by saying, "Well, you should be learning about jobs in school." But of course I felt a little guilty for blaming school when I, like Shantelle Raper (October 2nd post), understand the time demands put on teachers for core content. We talked about jobs she knew about and where she'd heard of them. We looked up some jobs on O*Netonline that had to do with animals.  I love the ideas Raper presents. I know we can come up with even better ideas when we work with educators in our buildings.
    Children in primary and intermediate grades absolutely amaze me with the level of rigor they take on in school. Students in first and second grade are already writing nonfiction reports (sometimes, using pictures, modifications or copying). How wonderful would it be for very little ones to write reports on jobs? A counselor could come up with jobs categorized by Holland's codes and kids could research those jobs. Then, the teacher could support with writing and presenting. This really could work with any age group. It's an assignment with a lot of flexibility. The National Career Development Association has some great ideas, here, too. I think it's integral that we start talking about jobs at a young age so students are prepared for all of the wonderful career related opportunities available to them in middle and high school.
   When I worked in the elementary level, we used Positive Behavior Support Initiatives as a springboard for discussing how students contribute to the community. Some rewards included helping younger children or participation in the recycling program. Kids love to help and it's a good way to begin discussing contributing to our communities. Isn't that what this is all about... I mean education. It's all about getting our youth prepared to take over our communities. By integrating Career Guidance into core curriculum, students who need behavior support can begin to understand how they can positively impact the school community, as well.

From the mouth of a babe.

This Ted Talk is amazing: http://youtu.be/h11u3vtcpaY
Thirteen-year old Logan LaPlante talks about "hackschooling." He uses community resources to augment his home schooling.
Three ideas I hear from this Ted Talk:
1. Social Emotional Development is the foundation of occupational satisfaction. (La Plant talks a lot about how to be happy).
2. We  need to  broaden the meaning of education to include community based learning environments. (career guidance from industry professionals should not just be for CTE students).
3. Some students have resources to engage in these community resources (like, the resources exist in their communities... think about our urban areas). Teachers in blighted and urban areas already try to provide their students exposure to community resources as much as possible. Hear the Ted Talk for ideas we can use in our educational system.