Life Skills Class Learns about Job Skills

6 students write about their jobs

by Lisa Sievers and Students

February 10, 2009

A little known class at Wakefield High School is the Life Skills. The class is designed to fulfill a multiple of goals for students. Students are taught how to become productive workers by learning how to apply, interview, and start a job. Once on the job, students explore their career interests by doing tasks and interacting with coworkers. The students also take part in discussion about work place ethics and situations that arise at work. Students can change their jobs at any time depending on their career goals. They also learn how to quit their job and apply for a new one. Below are some examples of what students are learning in this class.

Edie Billiar--I work at Pat Lunz Real Estate Broker. My job is to get the mail, make copies, and type on the computer. On Fridays, I clean her office. I enjoy working with her. In Life Skills class, I’ve learned how to evaluate myself.

Dustin Timmerman--I work at the Nearly New Store. When I arrive at work, I am in charge of opening the store. I take the trash outside and vacuum the floor. I also check and sort hangers and make sure toys and other electronics work. I have learned how to get a job and make a resume.

Roberto Valadez--My job is to catalog things for the Wakefield Heritage Organization museum. I have to be careful when I clean the dust off. I’ve gotten to talk to many visitors about the artifacts. Sometimes you have to quit if you want to find a job that meets your career goals. At the Nearly New Store, I also clean the restroom, take out the trash, and I will learn more soon since I’ve just started working there too.

Sheree Harder--I work at the Wakefield Family Resource Center with the infants and toddlers. I get to see how children interact with each other, and I like playing with children. They are fun to have around. In class, I have learned how to get along with other coworkers.

Cody Roberts--I work at the Gardner Public Library. My job is to put books away, read to the preschoolers, sort audio books, put x’s on discarded books, and check-in books. In Life Skills I’ve learned how to do a task analysis. A task analysis is taking a job and breaking it down into steps.

Kevin Haglund--I work at Sidelines. When I am at work, I fill cups with pop, clean tables, and take away dirty dishes. When I am at work, I talk with other customers and coworkers. I have learned that work doesn’t have to be serious all the time. You can have fun.