MARCH & APRIL
are College and Career Exploration Months
in St. Louis Park Elementary Schools!
are College and Career Exploration Months
in St. Louis Park Elementary Schools!
Why is College & Career exploration important at the Elementary level?
The main reason for having a month dedicated to College & Careers in the SLP elementary schools is to begin exposing students to all the educational possibilities along the road to their career goal. This domain of the School Counseling model has proven to be where my passion (spark) lies. Needless to say, I am really looking forward to see how the students react and how excited they will become by learning and seeing that there are over 3500 post-secondary institutions in the United States alone and to realize there are more options than just a 4-year college or university. There are some vocational programs that range in length from 6 weeks to a couple years to obtain. My hope is that if children are aware they have options and choices along the path to a career, they will research and take time to find the right fit for them rather than just, “going where my brother/sister went” or scrambling to find somewhere to apply during 12th grade. If saving money for college is presented early, ideally it will help each student be more focused, and have college become a real option for every student.
Here in SLP, we are working very hard to make this month memorable. I truly believe that each student has the potential and capability to work toward a career they are interested in. The first step is giving them permission to see what people do and think, “I might enjoy doing that one day.”
Here in SLP, we are working very hard to make this month memorable. I truly believe that each student has the potential and capability to work toward a career they are interested in. The first step is giving them permission to see what people do and think, “I might enjoy doing that one day.”
2017-18 Classroom Lessons
In order to start the conversation of college & careers, we visit every classroom with a different fun, interactive lesson! Below are some of the lessons/topics we cover:
K: Career Charades & Who wear that hat?
1: Someday by Eileen Spinelli & Paws in Jobland
2: Being Wendy by Fran Drescher
3: Ice Cream Careers
4: Career & College Readiness Escape Room5: Interest Inventory
- www.uwannadu.com (I have student do this very visual quiz as a "guest")
Annual Career-A-Palooza's held at all 4 buildings!
For the last handful of years, St. Louis Park has been implementing career events for all of their students. Students have the opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of careers from special community parents & guests.
To see more photos and learn about each individual school and their past activities, check out our blog page.
For the last handful of years, St. Louis Park has been implementing career events for all of their students. Students have the opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of careers from special community parents & guests.
To see more photos and learn about each individual school and their past activities, check out our blog page.
2017 Career-A-Palooza: the more tools, the better!
Susan Lindgren Students Say....
Some Bulletin Board and Decoration Ideas:
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College T-shirt Days!Staff and Students across the District were asked to wear their College Gear on special days throughout the month!
Great Job Everyone! |
Activities:
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I want to be an Archeologist
(Peter Hobart) |
Learning at the AQ Career Fair
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When I grow up I want to be.... a scientist
(Susan Lindgren) |
I want to be an Astronaut
(Peter Hobart) |
Checking out the different careers at the PSI Career Fair
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Check Out More Photos on our Blog Page!
How Well Do You Know Your College Mascots?
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1. Sebastian the Ibis: University of Miami
2. Albert and Alberta Gator: University of Florida 3. Testudo the Terrapin: University of Maryland 4. Artie the Artichoke: Scottsdale Community College, AZ 5. Otto the Orange: Syracuse University 6. Bucky Badger: University of WI - Madison 7. Goldie the Gopher: University of MN - Twin Cities 8. Cy the Cardinal: Iowa State University 9. Handsome Dan the Bulldog: Yale University 10. Fighting Irish: Notre Dame University 11. Sparky the Sun Devil: Arizona State University 12. Herky the Hawk: University of Iowa 13. Buzz: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 14. The Blue Devil: Duke University 15. Raider Red: Texas Tech 16. Tusk the Razorback: University of Arkansas |
First career event at Aquila:
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Websites to Check Out With Your Kids
Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Do You Like? Career Information for Kids CIA: Central Intelligence Agency webpage for Kids College Bound: Learn about colleges, programs Campus Tours: Want to Show your Child What a College Campus Looks Like? Online tours of thousands of college campuses Career Resource Library: View over 450 videos of different careers Engineer Girl: Encouraging girls into the world of engineering FBI: Learn about the Federal Bureau of Investigation through fun and games The Fun Works: For the Careers that You Didn't Know Existed Jobs at the Zoo: Learn about Jobs at the San Diego Zoo Money As You Grow: 20 Things Kids Need to Know to Live Financially Smart Lives My Child's Future: Website for parents to help grow career development skills in their children NASA: Learn about National Aeronautics and Space Administration through games and videos NCES Kids Zone: Learn about school, college. Games and Quizzes NIH Kids Page: Website for Kids focusing on Environmental Sciences Peace Corps: Listen to Peace Corps Volunteers share about their experiences with video and pictures Kids.gov: A place for kids to learn and play games surrounding careers Seven Habits for Teens and Kids: Sean Covey The Futures Channel: featuring Math and Science Careers Your Child's Career: For Parents to Work on with Their Kids Youth Rules!: Preparing the 21st Century Workforce Zoological Careers: Learn more about careers at Sea World, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove |