One of the most rewarding (and fun) things I have ever done for my kids' school was to organize Career Day. This was an exciting event that I put together for their elementary school two years in a row. I know, it seems a bit early to start introducing kids to different careers but I have to say from experience that kids at the elementary school level look forward to Career Day with stunning excitement. If you've ever thought about planning a career day for your local school here are a few tips and suggestions to help you on your way.
Before you start thinking about what careers you want represented you need to check with the school about the date for the event. Yes, I know, duh, but that is always the first step. However, while you are talking to the school there are a few more things that you will need to know. Number one is, how many classes in each grade level are at the school. Then you need to know how any students are in each class. I will explain the reason for this in a bit. You will also need to find out what time the students go to recess and lunch, what time school starts, and what time it ends. Believe me, all this information will be needed and getting it ahead of time will save you lots of phone calls and visits to the office.
Now that you have your information it is time to figure out the schedule for the speakers. A lot of schools are large and when they have career days they usually put a huge group of kids in one room to listen to one speaker. While this does work, I have spoken to professionals who speak at schools a lot and they feel that a large number of the students miss out on the interesting stuff because there are too many kids in the room. The school that I organized for was small, 250 students K- 8. This made it easier to work out my schedule. This looks confusing I know and it is a bit when planning it out but once you get the hang of it it is really pretty simple. Take a look at this sample schedule.
Lower grades: The grade level of each class is indicated after the teacher's name.
8:30- 8:55 9:00-9:25 9:30-9:55
B-Ball field- Morris(k) B-Ball Field- Nyenhuis B-Ball Field- Wiggins *
Room 17- Nyenhuis(k) Room 17- Wiggins Room 17- Waxman *
Room 16- Wiggins(1) Room 16- Waxman Room 16- McGray *
Room 4- Waxman(2) Room 4- McGray Room 4- Wilkanoski *
Room 6- McGray(2/3) Room 6- Wilkanoski Room 6- Morris
Tennis- Wilkanoski(3) Tennis- Morris Tennis- Nyenhuis
10:15-10:40 10:45- 11:10 11:15- 11:40 Lunch
B-Ball Field- Waxman B-Ball Field- McGray B-Ball Field- Wilkanoski
Room 17- McGray Room 17- Wilkanoski Room 17- Morris
Room 16- Wilkanoski Room 16- Morris Room 16- Nyenhuis
Room 4- Morris Room 4- Nyenhuis Room 4- Wiggins
Room 6- Nyenhuis Room 6- Wiggins Room 6- Waxman
Tennis- Wiggins Tennis- Waxman Tennis- McGray
*** Recess 9:55- 10:10
Please note- lower grade teachers please inform your students to keep away from the soccer field during recess times due to Sheriff K-9 Officers and dogs on the field speaking to the upper grades. Thank you! Specialty Crane will be next to the tennis courts.
As you can see here, a speaker is assigned to each classroom and the classes rotate from one classroom to another listening to each speaker. This schedule allows for small groups of students to see and hear everything about each career. The speakers even enjoy it more because they can answer more questions and spend more time with the kids. All of the students can sit on the tractor, or operate the cranbe, etc. This is a little more difficult and will take more help and time to plan with a larger school but I believe it is possible. Once you have your schedule together, it is time for the next step.
Volunteers are wonderful for this next part. During recess you should have a place set up to serve coffee and pastries to the speakers and teachers. Make sure this is not a place where students will be taking their recess. I usually use the Library. At lunch time, set up your area to serve lunch to the speakers as well as the teachers, principal, etc. This is a great way to show your appreciation to the speakers as well as to give the teachers more time to visit with them. This is also a good time to give each of them a certificate of appreciation for coming and sharing their career with the students. Please make sure that you are there when the speakers arrive in the morning to assist them in finding their classroom and at break times so you can thank them personally. Lunch can be a potluck affair or if the budget allows, you can even have it catered. It is your choice but make sure it has a welcoming feeling. Okay, so lets start finding speakers.
