Your Child Will Learn
Different jobs people have in your community
Here’s What to Do
- Take your child on a walk around your neighborhood or a local shopping center. Stop in one or a few local establishments (post office, grocery store, barber shop, pharmacy, etc.).
- Talk to your child about the reasons why you go to each place and what you can do there.
- If possible, ask one of the employees if they can show your child how to do a part of their job.
- Encourage your child to ask the employee questions about their job.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Before you go into a store, get down on your child’s level and give them a hug.
ENGAGE
- “When I need to mail a package, I come to the post office. Some people have their mail boxes at the post office so they might come here to pick up mail. And other people are here to buy stamps so they can mail letters at home.”
- “My daughter is learning about jobs in school and we were wondering- can you tell us about your job? What are you working on right now?”
ENCOURAGE
- If your child is feeling shy, encourage them by asking the first question. “Can you tell me about the tool you’re using?”
- “Do you have any questions for the barber? Is there anything about the barber’s job you are wondering about?”
REFLECT
- “What job seemed the most interesting to you? Why?”
Not Quite Ready
If your child does not want to interact with community workers, start by visiting places and describing what jobs people are doing.
Ready for More
Have your child draw a picture of one of the workers they met and share it with them.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will have an understanding of some important jobs in your community.
Time to Complete
30 minutes
Materials Needed
None