When planning to transition from school to life after school, it is important for students with special needs to learn certain skills. These skills can help them have a successful and independent life. Some of the skills that should be included in a transition survey include the overarching skills of communication, self-advocacy, problem-solving, time management, organization, and budgeting. It also includes some of the smaller but equally important skills that can be taken for granted.
Communication is an important skill for students with special needs because it allows them to express their thoughts and feelings effectively. To practice this skill in the classroom, students can work on participating in group activities or doing role-playing exercises with peers or teachers.
Self-advocacy is key when transitioning out of school as it helps empower individuals and allows them to take control of their lives by making informed decisions. Students can practice this skill by learning how to speak up for themselves when needed or ask questions when they don’t understand something.
No matter what stage of transition your student(s) are going through – having a plan is always going to be helpful. Download these, and so many other resources when you join The Intentional IEP here or by clicking the image above.
Problem-solving helps students think critically about situations they are faced with so that they can come up with solutions that best fit their individual needs. In the classroom, teachers can set up scenarios where students must use critical thinking skills to find solutions on their own or work together as a team.
Time management is another important skill since it will help students manage their time more effectively and complete tasks in a timely manner. Practicing this skill can be done by setting goals, breaking down tasks into smaller components, and creating a schedule that allows for plenty of breaks throughout the day.
Organization will help students stay focused on their learning objectives as well as keep track of any important documents or materials they may need. To practice organization skills, teachers can provide students with individual planners to record assignments and assessments, create folders for important papers, or create color-coded systems.
Being about to identify three to five leisure activities that they can engage in to decompress and enjoy themselves is an important but sometimes overlooked skill. Having this as part of their transition survey helps to ensure that they have some balance in their lives after school.
Here is a short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about transition activities:
The membership also provides guidance on keeping parents involved, which can be challenging for everyone!
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Budgeting is key when transitioning out of school because it helps individuals become better money managers. To practice this skill in the classroom, teachers can have students create a budget plan that includes things like their income, expenses, and savings goals. Having a class store or shop can also help with these skills.
Students should leave school confident in using at least two methods of transportation. For most students, this will include at least one public transportation system. A field trip where practicing how to use public transportation is the focus can be a great way to build this skill.
Students should be able to identify 2-4 people who they can call in an emergency. To practice this in the classroom, students create a list of emergency contacts on their cell phones or designate certain people in their contacts list as “ICE” or “in case of emergency” contacts.
Cell phones, tablets, and computers are a must in everyday life, and students need to learn how to use them effectively. Create web quests where students must find information using technology to help them become more device-literate.
Being able to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses is an important part of life. This self-awareness helps people determine which jobs and situations are right for them and which are not. To help students develop this self-awareness, have conversations and projects that focus on the things that they do well and the things that they need to practice.
Understanding the importance of exercise is a necessity for all students. Have your students list a few ways that they enjoy exercising and, if possible, give them time to practice those activities during class once a month. Taking a walk outside or in the school courtyard is a great way to emphasize the importance of walking as exercise.
Learning these skills will help students with special needs to be more successful when transitioning out of school and into life after graduation. It is important for teachers to provide students with the tools needed to practice these skills in the classroom so that they can have a better understanding of how to use them in their everyday lives. Activities and books like these can be an easy way to integrate life skills into the daily curriculum.
With the right support and guidance, students with special needs can make a smooth transition out of school and live an independent lifestyle.
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