Grade Level: 9th Grade

  • Copy Center — Money Management

    • Students should make sure they have enough money to purchase a postcard
    • Pay for a postcard
  • Copy Center — Following Directions

    • Directions given by the Copy Center staff regarding:
      1. How to fill out the postcard
      2. Where to go to find the mailbox to mail their postcard
      3. Where to place the stamp on their postcard
    • Directions from chaperone regarding:

      How to address their postcard
  • Copy Center — Problem Solving

    • If you’re not sure how to fill out the postcard, raise your hand or say: “Can you help me, please?”
    • If you can’t spell a word, ask a staff member or chaperone to help you sound it out
    • If you don’t have enough money to purchase a postcard, ask about doing a job in the Copy Center to earn it
    • If the postcard design you want isn’t available, choose a different one — practice being flexible
    • If you make a mistake on your postcard, ask for a new one or find a way to fix it neatly
  • Copy Center — Functional Communication

    • Greetings

      Saying hello and goodbye
    • Asking questions such as cost of a postcard
    • Asking for assistance or directions from store staff when needed
    • Selecting which postcard you would like:
      1. Verbally telling clerk which postcard you would like
      2. Non-verbally by pointing to the postcard you would like
    • Making eye contact while communicating
    • Writing your message on the postcard
  • 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 — Employment

    • Fill out job application
    • Interview for a job
    • Job duties
      1. Refilling supplies:
        • Cleaning counter
        • Sweeping
      2. Notifying staff when supplies/inventory are running low
      3. Shredding paper
      4. Prepare LifeTown wallets
  • 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