Living Skills

Life Skills for Middle Schoolers is designed to help students grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually by developing knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to thrive at home, at school, and in the community. Students will engage in active learning, collaborative activities that foster self and social awareness, while practicing decision-making skills and responsible behavior. In addition to active practice in communication, collaboration, and problem solving, students will also receive basic instructions in life skills such as cooking and money management.

Unit I - Who Am I?

Purpose and Passion (Includes figuring out your purpose statement)

Strengths (Skills profiler)

Personal Brand

Vision

My SMART Goals

My Mission (creating an action plan based on all of the above)

Unit II - Careers and Higher Education

Your Career Profile (job vs. career, comparing careers, occupational videos)

Building Your Resume (essential application steps, resume sections, cover letter, job search, and examples)

Virtual Job Interview (walks your student through an interview with step-by-step suggestions)

Researching Schools (College Readiness Fair – provides information about 2-year/community college, 4-year university & tech/trade school based on your student’s career aspirations, selecting your major, in-state vs. out-of-state schools, side-by-side comparisons)

Applying to School (tips & ideas, practice application, application checklist)

Financial Aid (scholarships, grants, loans FAFSA)

Getting Accepted (selecting classes, scheduling classes, reading a map, college transcripts, housing, buying textbooks)

Campus Life (clubs and organizations, college sports, transportation costs, getting an internship, socializing and partying – making responsible decisions)

Unit III - Financial Responsibility

Types of Accounts (checking accounts, check writing, online banking, check/debit card, ATM, balancing accounts, savings account, interest, retirement)

Understanding Credit (introduction, FAQs, maintaining good credit, credit scores, credit cards & fees, interest)

Financial Responsibility (introduction to taxes, W-4 form, filing deadline, W-2 form, filing options, reading paychecks, tax resources, paying bills, disputing a fee)

Budgeting Basics (needs vs. wants, calculating income, create a plan, money saving tips)

Student Loans (understanding loans, types, amoritization, repayment)

Unit IV - Everyday Living

Personal Health (healthy eating on a budget, activity, fitness, creating a fitness plan, sleep, personal hygiene, health insurance FAQ, doctor visits)

Travel (preparing for your trip, at the airport, on the flight, enjoying your trip)

Home and Vehicle (driver’s license, getting a vehicle, housing, roommates)

Communication (making a good first impression, body language, talking, listening, healthy relationships, social media)