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Grade Level: 1st Grade

  • Copy Center — Time Management

    • Writing a postcard takes a few minutes — make sure you have enough time before starting
    • Steps to plan your time: choose a postcard, write your message, address it, add a stamp, and mail it
    • If there’s a line at the register, wait patiently — use the time to think about what you’ll write
    • Don’t rush your writing — take enough time to write clearly so the recipient can read your postcard
    • Leave time to walk to the mailbox and mail your postcard before moving on

  • Copy Center — Budgeting

    • Check the cost of a postcard before deciding to buy one
    • A postcard is a small purchase — practice recognizing that small purchases add up throughout the day
    • Compare: “Is a postcard worth it, or would I rather save this money for a bigger purchase later?”
    • Activity: Add the postcard cost to your running total of spending for the day
    • If you don’t have enough money, decide whether to earn some or skip this activity

  • Copy Center — Safety and Security

    • Keep money in your wallet until you are at the register and ready to pay
    • Be careful when using scissors, staplers, or other office supplies in the Copy Center
    • Don’t put stamps, stickers, or small supplies in your mouth
    • Put any money you earn from jobs directly into your wallet
    • Keep track of your personal belongings — don’t leave your wallet or postcard on the counter

  • Copy Center — Independent Living Skills

    • Patience and Waiting:

      Practice waiting calmly if the Copy Center is busy. Use the time to plan what you’ll write on your postcard
    • Written Communication:

      Practice writing a message to someone — this is how we stay in touch with people in real life through letters, postcards, and cards
    • Decision-Making:

      Choose which postcard design you like best and what message to write — there’s no wrong answer, just your personal choice
    • Addressing and Mailing:

      Learn how to properly address a piece of mail — where the recipient’s name goes, where the stamp goes, and where to put it when it’s ready to send
    • Fine Motor Skills:

      Practicing handwriting on a small card helps develop writing control and neatness

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Money Management

    • The medical center is a great place to earn money by doing jobs (cleaning, receptionist duties, restocking)
    • Ask the staff: “Are there any jobs I can do to earn money?”
    • Keep track of how much money you earn from each job
    • This is one of the few stores where you earn money instead of spending it — plan to visit here if you need more funds for other stores
    • Put all money you earn directly into your wallet right away

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Following Directions

    • Directions given by receptionist
      1. Signing in/showing insurance card
      2. Making an appointment
      3. Which doctor’s office to go into
    • Directions given by the dentist
      1. Sit down in chair
      2. Open mouth
    • Directions given by the doctor
      1. Stand on scale
      2. Read letters on the wall
    • Directions given by the nutritionist

      Sort foods into the correct category (protein, carbohydrate, starch)

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Problem Solving

    • Nutritionist Activity: Sort play food into categories (proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables) and plan a balanced meal
    • What to do if the doctor or dentist is busy: Sign in with the receptionist and wait patiently, or make an appointment to come back
    • What to do if you feel nervous about seeing the doctor or dentist: Practice deep breathing, tell your chaperone how you feel, and remember this is a safe simulation
    • What to do if you don’t understand the doctor’s instructions: Ask the doctor to repeat or explain: “Can you say that again?” or “I don’t understand”
    • Problem: The doctor says you need to take medicine but you don’t like it — discuss healthy ways to express your preferences

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Functional Communication

    • Greetings
      1. Saying hello and goodbye
      2. Telling name to receptionist
    • Communicating appointment time to receptionist
      1. Verbally telling receptionist your appointment time
      2. Non-verbally by handing appointment card to receptionist
    • Explaining any problems or pain to the doctor, dentist and/or nutritionist
      1. Verbally telling the doctor, dentist and/or nutritionist your problem
      2. Non-verbally by pointing to what hurts or bothers you or by pointing at what foods you like or dislike
    • Communicating current medication
      1. Verbally by telling the doctor, dentist and/or nutritionist what medications you take
      2. Non-verbally by handing the doctor, dentist and/or nutritionist a typed list
    • Making eye contact while communicating
    • Asking questions
    • Making a follow-up appointment

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Time Management

    • Appointments:
      1. Determining if there is time to see one or more doctors
      2. Making an appointment
      3. Getting to appointment on time
    • Waiting for your turn to see the doctor, dentist or nutritionist