How to Write Student-Driven Transition Plans
Writing IEP transition plans doesn’t have to feel like checking boxes. This teacher-friendly guide walks you through creating student-driven, real-world goals with practical services that prepare teens for life after high school.
Hook Your Students on Day One: 3 Life Skills Activities That Work
Get your students excited to learn from day one with these 3 real-world life skills lessons—practical, hands-on, and ready to use.
101 Adulting Warm-Ups to Teach Life Skills
Teens are entering adulthood with major life skill gaps. These 101 warm-ups are a simple way to teach essential adulting skills—no extra planning required.
Student SMART Goals Examples to Support Transition Planning
Want to help students take ownership of their IEPs and start thinking beyond high school?
This post walks you through how to use student SMART goals examples to support meaningful transition planning in special education. You'll get real-world goal ideas for education, employment, and independent living—plus practical tips for making goal-setting accessible to all learners.
Whether you're prepping for IEP season or just want a purposeful way to start the school year, this approach builds student voice, choice, and self-determination—without overwhelming them (or you).
Practical Guide to Teaching Life Skills in Adult Ed – Part 3
This post shares 10 of the most essential life skills for adults—plus classroom-ready ways to help students navigate leases, interviews, credit, emergencies, and more. Practical tips, free resources, and real-life relevance included.
A Summer Prep Project That Just Might Save Your Sanity Next Year
Creating your On-Demand Adulting Folder now is like setting up a safety net for your future teacher self.
Whether it’s a pep rally schedule gone rogue or a last-minute sub situation, you’ll be ready with no-prep activities that still teach something meaningful—like life skills, social skills, or critical thinking. Trust me, October-you will be grateful.
Practical Guide to Teaching Life Skills in Adult Ed – Part 2
If you're trying to teach life skills without overhauling your GED or ESL curriculum, this post is for you. Explore practical, subject-by-subject ideas for embedding adulting activities like budgeting, interviewing, and navigating housing—all with real-world relevance your students will appreciate.
15 Easy Ideas for Teaching Life Skills During the School Day
Ever find yourself with 10 unexpected minutes and a roomful of teenagers staring at you? A perfect opportunity to integrate an adulting activity! This post shares 15 easy, practical ways to integrate life skills into your school day—no curriculum overhaul required. Perfect for high school teachers who want to build real-world readiness, one small teachable moment at a time.
Free Life Skills Inventory to Kickstart Real-World Learning
This free, editable Life Skills Inventory helps students reflect on what they want to learn about adulting—from budgeting and job hunting to time management and education planning. Perfect for IEP transition planning, advisory, or real-world life skills lessons. Includes a printable version, Google Form, teacher guide, and sample student response to make implementation easy.
Practical Guide to Teaching Life Skills in Adult Ed – Part I
Teaching life skills in adult education programs is essential for empowering learners to thrive both personally and professionally. Many adults lack knowledge in key areas such as financial literacy, job search strategies, and independent living skills. By incorporating practical "adulting" skills—like budgeting, navigating healthcare, and preparing for postsecondary education—into adult education, educators can better support students in balancing work, family, and school responsibilities. This approach not only helps adult learners meet immediate educational goals but also equips them with the tools for long-term success in their careers and lives.
Benefits of Word Searches & Crossword Puzzles for Adult Learners
Word games aren't just fun; they're powerful tools for learning. Incorporating crossword puzzles and word searches into your classroom can boost vocabulary, improve memory, and reinforce academic concepts. These activities engage multiple parts of the brain, promote collaboration, and provide stress-relief, all while enhancing students' cognitive abilities. Whether you're focusing on specialized terminology or everyday language skills, adding word puzzles to your lessons can offer significant educational benefits. Plus, they're great for differentiating instruction and providing a refreshing break from more intense academic work.
Ditch the Syllabus: What to Do on the First Day Instead
Looking for a better way to start the school year? Ditch the syllabus (just for now) and try these first day of school ideas that get students thinking, talking, and doing.
Personal Success Plan: A Blueprint for Adulting
Empower your students to take control of their futures with the Personal Success Plan—a transformative project that guides them in crafting a detailed, actionable blueprint for adulthood. Combining research-backed strategies with real-world relevance, this activity helps students develop critical planning and goal-setting skills they’ll carry with them for years to come. Discover how this impactful project fosters confidence, accountability, and excitement about the future!
No Sub Plan? No Problem. Adulting Activities to the Rescue!
Ever found yourself covering an unfamiliar class last-minute? My On-Demand Adulting Folder has saved the day more times than I can count. These practical, real-world activities are designed to hook any student—whether they're exploring career paths, learning apartment-hunting basics, or getting tips for job applications. Perfect for high school and adult learners alike, these lessons turn "filler" time into engaging, purposeful learning.
Teaching Students How to Rent a Home, Step-by-Step
In Home Sweet Home: Preparing Students for Their First (or 40th) Rental, educators can find a comprehensive guide to help young adults navigate the often daunting process of securing and maintaining housing. The blog covers essential topics like searching for rental homes, budgeting within income limits, identifying rental scams, and understanding lease agreements. Practical classroom activities, like a house-hunting exercise and a safety quiz, engage students while teaching vital life skills. With real-world insights on renters’ insurance, utility setup, and effective communication with landlords, this lesson prepares students for a smooth transition to independent living.
Level Up Life Planning with Postsecondary Pathways Bingo!
Postsecondary Pathways Bingo is an innovative and interactive activity designed to engage students in exploring their future education and career options. With prompts related to postsecondary pathways—such as community college interests, military aspirations, and vocational training goals—this game encourages students to connect with peers in a fun and non-threatening environment. This engaging format not only fosters community but also equips students with essential networking skills and broadens their understanding of available opportunities, making it an invaluable addition to any educator's toolkit for preparing students for life beyond high school.
Banking Basics: Teaching Personal Finance to Students
Teaching students the fundamentals of personal banking is crucial for helping them protect their hard-earned money. In a world where alternative financial services can cost a family thousands annually, it’s important to empower students with the knowledge they need to avoid unnecessary fees and predatory lenders. Key concepts like understanding banking terminology, comparing different types of accounts, and exploring financial institutions all contribute to their financial literacy. Through practical exercises like writing checks, reviewing bank applications, and setting up account alerts, students gain real-world experience. By wrapping up with discussions on risky alternatives to banking, such as payday loans, students are better equipped to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Starting a New Job? Must-Know Tips for Students
With 87% of job seekers experiencing new job anxiety, it's no wonder that the first day can be nerve-wracking. From navigating employment agreements to handling the flood of new hire paperwork, students face a lot of new experiences all at once. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to help educators prepare students for their first job, covering everything from understanding job offers and contracts to mastering workplace etiquette and social media professionalism. Equip your students with the knowledge and skills they need to make a strong start and succeed in their new roles with confidence.
Make IEPs Stand Out with Personalized Intro Letters
Using student introduction letters alongside IEP summaries is an effective way to personalize and enhance communication between educators and students. This practice not only helps teachers quickly grasp each student’s strengths, needs, and goals but also empowers students to take ownership of their education by fostering self-advocacy skills. By incorporating this approach, educators can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment, turning routine paperwork into meaningful connections that contribute to student success throughout the school year.
4 Steps to a Financial Roadmap for Higher Education
Help your students achieve debt-free postsecondary education and training. Discover how to navigate the complex world of student finances, from unlocking potential through higher education to understanding the true costs involved. Equip your students with career exploration strategies and practical financial planning activities. Empower them to make informed decisions and start their journey towards a successful, financially secure future.