LifeTown Friendship Circle Registry ShabbatKit The Circle Connect LifeTown Gift Shop LifeTown Shoppes Curriculum
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Grade Level: 1st Grade

  • Jeff & Charlie’s Pet Shop — Problem Solving

    • If you are startled by an animal noise:

      Take a deep breath, remind yourself that the animals are in safe enclosures, and it’s okay to step back
    • If you are nervous about animals:

      You don’t have to touch every animal — start by watching from a distance, and get closer only when you’re ready
    • Let the pet shop staff know if you are uncomfortable: “I’m a little scared. Can you help me?”
    • If two students want to see the same animal at the same time:

      Practice taking turns — one person goes first, then the other
    • If an animal won’t come to you:

      Be patient. Animals have their own comfort levels too. Try sitting quietly and waiting

  • Jeff & Charlie’s Pet Shop — Functional Communication

    • Greet the shop clerk when you enter: “Hello!” or a wave
    • Tell the clerk what you’d like to do: “I want to pet an animal” or “Can I do a job here?”
    • Indicate which animal you’d like to see:
      1. Verbally: “Can I see the rabbit?” or “I’d like to pet the guinea pig”
      2. Non-verbally: Point to the animal you’d like to interact with
    • Ask questions about the animals: “What is that animal’s name?” or “What does it eat?”
    • Practice gentle voice: use a calm, quiet voice around animals so you don’t startle them
    • Say goodbye and thank the staff when you leave

  • Jeff & Charlie’s Pet Shop — Time Management

    • If someone else is petting the animal you want to see, wait patiently for your turn
    • Practice asking: “How much longer until I can have a turn?”
    • The pet shop has multiple activities (petting, feeding, grooming, games) — decide what you want to do and plan your time
    • Sorting and matching games take a few minutes — make sure to try them if you have time after seeing the animals
    • Don’t spend all your time on one activity — balance your visit so you can try several things

  • Jeff & Charlie’s Pet Shop — Budgeting

    • All pet shop activities are free — this is a great stop when you want a fun experience without spending money
    • You can also earn money here by doing jobs: sweeping, vacuuming, feeding animals, walking the dog
    • Plan strategically: visit the pet shop to earn money when you need more funds for purchases at other stores
    • Ask the staff how much each job pays so you can plan how much to earn
    • Track your earnings and add them to your wallet total

  • Jeff & Charlie’s Pet Shop — Safety and Security

    • Don’t put your fingers in bird cages or animal enclosures unless a staff member tells you it’s safe
    • Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching animals
    • Handle animals gently — don’t squeeze, pull tails, or pick up animals without staff permission
    • Listen to the staff’s safety instructions for each animal — different animals have different rules
    • If an animal bites or scratches you, tell a staff member right away
    • Put any money you earn directly into your wallet

  • Jeff & Charlie’s Pet Shop — Independent Living Skills

    • Responsibility and Care:

      Practice caring for another living thing — feeding, grooming, and making sure the animal is comfortable teaches responsibility
    • Empathy and Awareness:

      Observe the animal’s body language and respond appropriately. Is it relaxed? Nervous? Learning to read non-verbal cues helps in all relationships
    • Gentle Touch and Motor Control:

      Petting and handling animals practices fine motor skills and the concept of being gentle
    • Overcoming Fears:

      For students who are nervous around animals, the pet shop is a safe, guided environment to gradually build comfort
    • Career Exploration:

      Jobs in the pet shop (feeding, cleaning, walking) introduce the concept of animal care as a potential career path — veterinarian, groomer, shelter worker

  • Ahuva’s Art & Hobbies — Money Management

    • Students should make sure they have enough money to purchase an art project
    • Pay for their art project
    • Do the free project if they don’t have enough money

  • Ahuva’s Art & Hobbies — Following Directions

    • Directions given by Ahuva staff regarding:
      1. The steps to complete the art project
      2. How to use the art supplies properly (ie. markers, paint markers)
      3. When to pick up art project

  • Ahuva’s Art & Hobbies — Problem Solving

    • If there are no open seats:

      Ask the staff “When will a seat be available?” and decide whether to wait or come back later. Practice patience or use the time to visit a nearby store
    • If you don’t have enough money for the paid art project:

      Ask about the free project option, or go earn money at a nearby store and come back
    • If you make a mistake on your art project:

      Don’t get discouraged — ask the staff for help, try to fix it creatively, or start over if possible. Mistakes are part of creating art
    • If the supplies you want (specific colors, markers) are being used by another student:

      Ask politely: “May I use that when you’re done?” and practice sharing and waiting