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Grade Level: 3rd Grade

  • 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

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Budgeting

    • Plan your visit strategically: the medical center is a good place to earn money before visiting stores where you’ll spend
    • Set an earning goal: “I need $X more to buy a shirt at Team Gear, so I’ll do jobs here until I earn that amount”
    • Track your earnings: write down each job you complete and how much you earned
    • Understand the connection between work and pay — you earn money by completing tasks
    • Budget your time: each job takes a few minutes, so plan how many jobs you can do

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Safety and Security

    • Report any allergies to receptionist and doctor/dentist
    • Sit nicely in the dentist’s chair and hold on while dentist moves the chair up, down or backwards
    • Put money earned in wallet

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Employment

    • Fill out job application
    • Interview for a job
    • Job duties
      1. General cleaning of the offices:
        • Dusting, sweeping
        • Sanitizing between patients and wiping down treatment chairs
        • Refilling supplies
        • Notifying medical staff when toothbrushes or other supplies are low
      2. Receptionist duties:
        • Taking appointments
        • Keeping doctors on schedule with appointments
        • Handing out prize tokens and collecting prize containers
    • Refill capsules with prizes

  • RWJ Barnabas Health — Independent Living Skills

    • Insurance and Documentation

      Presenting insurance cards and necessary documents at the medical center teaches students about the importance of organized record-keeping and preparedness. This skill extends beyond healthcare settings to various aspects of life
    • Self-Advocacy

      Encouraging students to take an active role in their healthcare reinforces the concept of self-advocacy. They can learn to articulate their needs, preferences, and any relevant medical information
    • Managing Anxiety

      Some students might experience anxiety related to medical visits. Learning coping strategies and relaxation techniques can help them manage these feelings and navigate healthcare environments more confidently
    • Respecting Boundaries

      Learning how to respect the privacy and boundaries of healthcare providers and fellow patients contributes to a positive and respectful atmosphere
    • Feedback and Reflection

      After their visits, students can reflect on their experiences, noting what went well and identifying areas for improvement. This self-assessment fosters a growth mindset and continuous learning