Materials
poster board
tape recorder (optional)
markers
graphics representing different jobs (from a computer or hand drawn)
glue
clothing props representing different jobs (lab coats, work shirts, caps, hard
hats, and so on)
various props representing different jobs (stethoscope, hammer (plastic),
typewriter, postal workers letter bag, and so on)
magazines
construction paper
Instructions
* Labor Day is the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of workers,
as well as the unofficial end of the summer season.
1. Ask parents what they do for a living. Make a list of their jobs.
2. Ask the children to talk about their parents' jobs. Record their responses
using a tape recorder or by writing them down.
3. Compare what the children say with what the parents actually do. Talk a
little about each type of job. Make sure you don't make children feel as
though they have answered incorrectly. For example, if Jonnie said his
Mom works in an office and you know she is a doctor, say, "Yes, Jonnie,
your mom does work in an office. She works in a doctor's office. She is
the doctor there. What do you think a doctor does?"
4. Continue until you have talked about everyone's job. This can be spread
out over several days, depending on how many children are in your class.
Make a list of the jobs on a piece of poster board.
5. Make a word/picture graph depicting the parents' jobs. At the top of the
graph print: "The Jobs People Do." Under the heading make two
columns, one for Mom and one for Dad. Along the left side, write each
child's name. Print each parent's job in the proper column. Add a small
graphic that represents that job next to the printed words.
6. Add props for the different jobs represented by the parents in the
dramatic play center. Encourage the children to pretend they are their
parents at work.
7. Add office tools (calculator, phone, phone message pads) to the writing
center.
8. Have children cut out magazine pictures of people working to make a
Jobs Collage as a group project. Provide glue, scissors, and other craft
materials.
9. Work with the children to create a unique and colorful jobs mural on
poster board. Title it: "The Jobs People Do" and display it for all to see.
10. Wind up your celebration of the jobs people do by inviting several
parents to visit the class and give a short talk about their jobs.
More to do Books: Make a "Jobs People Do" book. Ask the children to draw pictures of
their parents at work. Under each picture, print a short description
(provided by the children) of the parents' jobs. Create a front and back
cover and bind together by punching three holes along one edge and
threading the pages together with heavy yarn.
Field Trip: If possible, take a field trip to one parent's workplace. Let the
parent lead the children on a short and interesting tour.
Related song Moms and Dads All Have Jobs (Tune: "The Armour Hot Dog Song")
Great jobs!
They have great jobs!
Our moms and dads all have great jobs!
Doctors, lawyers, mechanics who fix things,
Writers, sales clerks, this is the song we sing
About their great jobs!
They have great jobs!
Our parents have great jobs!
(Substitute jobs that actually represent the ones the parents have)
