Life Skills Course
Week-by-Week Curriculum
Week 1 – Identity & Personal Responsibility
Theme: Who Am I Becoming?
Students reflect on personal values, identity, and future goals.
Activities:
Personal values mapping
Life vision board
Group discussion: "What does adulthood mean?"
Skills:
Self-awareness
Goal setting
Standards: CASEL (Self Awareness)
PBIS (Responsibility)
Project: Write “My Future Self” reflection letter
Week 2 – Decision Making & Consequences
Theme: Smart Choices
Students explore how decisions impact their future.
Activities:
Decision tree exercises
Real-life scenario problem solving
Group discussion on peer pressure
Skills:
Responsible decision making
Critical thinking
Standards: CASEL (Responsible Decision Making)
PBIS (Accountability)
Project: Create a Decision Map for a life goal.
Week 3 – Professional Image
Theme: Dress for Opportunity
Students learn about professional appearance and presentation.
Activities:
Professional vs casual attire analysis
Workplace etiquette role play
Personal branding discussion
Skills:
Self-presentation
Confidence
Standards: PBIS (Respect)
CASEL (Self Management)
Project: Design Your Professional Look
Week 4 – Communication Skills
Theme: Speak Clearly & Confidently
Students develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
Activities:
Active listening exercises
Body language awareness
Short presentation practice
Skills:
Communication
Relationship skills
Standards: CASEL (Relationship Skills)
VAPA (Expressive communication)
Project: Deliver 1-minute personal introduction speech
Week 5 – Job Applications
Theme: Getting the Job
Students learn how to fill out job applications and resumes.
Activities:
Resume building workshop
Mock application practice
Discussion on work ethic
Skills:
Organization
Professional readiness
Standards: PBIS (Responsibility)
CASEL (Self Management)
Project: Create first professional resume
Week 6 – Interview Skills
Theme: Mastering the Interview
Students practice interview preparation.
Activities:
Mock interviews
Interview question practice
Confidence coaching
Skills:
Public speaking
Professional communication
Standards: CASEL (Self Management)
PBIS (Respect)
Project: Video recorded mock interview
Week 7 – Financial Literacy Basics
Theme: Money Matters
Students learn the basics of earning and managing money.
Topics:
Income vs expenses
Needs vs wants
Financial goals
Activities:
Budget simulation
Spending scenarios
Standards: CASEL (Responsible Decision Making)
Project: Create personal budget plan
Week 8 – Budgeting & Bill Management
Theme: Managing Your Money
Students explore monthly budgeting and bills.
Topics:
Rent
Utilities
Transportation
Savings
Activities:
Household budget challenge
Project: Build monthly living budget
Week 9 – Understanding Credit
Theme: Credit & Debt
Students learn how credit works.
Topics:
Credit score
Credit cards
Loans and interest
Activities:
Credit simulation game
Skills: Financial literacy
Standards: CASEL (Decision Making)
Project: Create credit education poster
Week 10 – Microsoft Office Skills
Theme: Workplace Technology
Students learn essential workplace software skills.
Focus:
Microsoft Word
Excel basics
Document formatting
Activities:
Build resume in Word
Budget spreadsheet in Excel
Standards: Career readiness
Project: Create personal finance spreadsheet
Week 11 – Leadership & Workplace Behavior
Theme: Professional Character
Students explore leadership and workplace behavior.
Topics:
Work ethic
Accountability
Team collaboration
Activities:
Leadership scenario games
Conflict resolution discussion
Standards: PBIS (Integrity)
CASEL (Social Awareness)
Project: Group presentation “What makes a great leader?”
Week 12 – Life Skills Showcase
Theme: Present Your Future
Students present what they learned.
Activities:
Professional presentation
Resume review
Interview demonstration
Project: Life Skills Portfolio Includes:
Resume
Budget plan
Interview video
Future goals statement
Final Student Portfolio
Students graduate the course with:
Resume
Budget plan
Interview skills
Financial literacy basics
Professional communication skills
Personal leadership plan