Independent Work Check-in Warm-Up Independent Work Check-in
Thinking about your work experience
Name:
Date:
Think about your current job or a job you've had in the past. Use the spaces below to share your thoughts.
1
What's one thing you really enjoy about working?
2
What's one thing that sometimes feels challenging at work?
3
Imagine you need to learn something new for your job, and your coach isn't right there. What's the first thing you would do? Independent Work Journey Lesson Plan Your Independent Work Journey
Tier 3 Individualized Instructional Guide
Objective
To equip an adult male with disabilities with strategies for independent task learning, job maintenance, and focused communication in the workplace.
Why This Matters
This lesson empowers the student to gain confidence and self-reliance in their job, leading to greater success and satisfaction in their career and promoting long-term employment.
Time: 2 Hours
Individual (Tier 3)
Interactive Approach
Required Materials
Whiteboard & Markers
Timer
Printed Worksheets & Reading
Slide Presentation
Preparation Checklist
Review Materials (20 mins)
Slide Deck & Script walkthrough
Navigating Your Job Independently reading
Role Play scenarios & Discussion prompts
Print List
Independent Work Check-in Reading: Navigating Your Job Worksheet: My Toolbox Quiz: Skills Check Cool Down: Next Steps
Instructional Flow
10
min
Warm-Up: Independent Work Check-in
Reflect on past job experiences. Discuss strengths and growth areas regarding independent problem-solving.
5
min
Introduction: Setting the Stage
Use Slide 1. Explain the importance of self-reliance for personal growth and workplace success.
20
min
Understanding Independent Learning
Slides 2-4. Distribute Reading. Discuss "Superpowers" like asking smart questions and observing others.
25
min
Building Your Toolbox
Slides 5-6. Complete Worksheet. Map specific solutions to common workplace hurdles.
30
min
Mastering Workplace Communication
Slides 7-8. Engage in Role Play & Discussion. Focus on staying on topic and clear requests.
20
min
Putting It All Together: Quiz
Administer Quiz. Review answers together for immediate reinforcement and clarification.
10
min
Cool Down: My Next Steps
Identify one takeaway and one concrete action step for the upcoming work week.
Independent Work Journey Slides Your Independent Work Journey
Own Your Job, Own Your Learning!
Strategies for Workplace Success
Be a Problem Solver!
How do you figure things out when a coach isn't right there?
Observe: Watch others do it first.Ask Questions: Be specific.Use Resources: Guides & Manuals.
🧠
You've Got This!
Your Learning Superpowers
Observing Others
Watching a coworker can teach you the rhythm of the job without saying a word.
Smart Questions
"Can you show me step 3 again?" is better than "I don't get it."
Consistent Practice
Doing the same task over and over builds "muscle memory."
Written Guides
Checklists are like a brain backup. Use them every time!
Staying on Track
Daily Routine
Checklists
A simple list ensures nothing gets forgotten during the busy hours.
Timers
Using a phone or watch timer helps you know when to switch tasks.
Consistency is King! 👑
My Independent Toolbox
Pack Your Tools
Identify Challenges
What makes you feel stuck? Loud noises? Forgetfulness? Unclear steps?
Match with Strategies
For every challenge, there is a tool to fix it. We will build your list today.
Practice Time!
Let's look at common work situations and decide which tool from your toolbox works best.
Talk Smart: Stay on Topic!
On Track Conversations
Focused on the task. Helps co-workers. Saves time.
Off-Topic Detours
Confuses others. Slows down work. Can be frustrating.
"Stick to the roadmap of the work task!"
Role Play
"Practice Makes Perfect!"
Situation
Conversation
Feedback Independent Work Journey Script Teaching Script
Your Independent Work Journey
Introduction
10 Minutes
Action: Greet the student and distribute the "Independent Work Check-in Warm-Up". Give them a few minutes to write.
Teacher: "Welcome! Today, we're going on an exciting journey to become even more amazing and independent at work. We're going to talk about how you can take charge, learn new things, and communicate clearly, even when your job coach isn't right there."
(Wait for student to complete the warm-up, then discuss responses.)
Teacher: "Great. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. What's one thing you enjoy about working? And what about those challenges? Knowing where we struggle is the first step to getting better."
Slide 1
5 Minutes
Teacher: "Look at Slide 1. Today is all about your independent work journey. Think of it like being the captain of your own ship at work! These skills show your employer what a capable and valuable team member you are."
Slides 2-4
20 Minutes
Action: Show Slide 2 and distribute the "Navigating Your Job Independently" reading passage.
Teacher: "So, you're at work, and a new task comes up, or you forget a step. Your coach isn't there. What do you do? You become a problem solver! Look at the reading I just gave you. It has ideas on how to keep things running smoothly."
(Allow time for reading, then move to Slide 3.)
Teacher: "Look at Slide 3: Your Learning Superpowers. These are things like observing others, asking smart questions, and using checklists. Which of these superpowers do you think you're already good at?"
(Move to Slide 4.)
Teacher: "Besides learning new tasks, staying on track means doing your regular duties. What are some things you do to make sure you finish your daily work? Maybe a checklist or a timer?"
Slides 5-6
25 Minutes
Action: Distribute the "My Independent Work Toolbox" worksheet.
Teacher: "Now we're going to build your very own 'Independent Work Toolbox.' Just like a carpenter has tools for building, you need tools for success! We'll fill this out together, thinking about common situations and what 'tools' you can use to handle them."
Slides 7-8
30 Minutes
Action: Move to Slide 7. Transition to the Role Play activity after the discussion.
Navigating Your Job Independently Reading Navigating Your Job Independently
Reading Passage: Strategies for Success
Working independently means being able to do your job and solve problems even when a supervisor or job coach isn't standing right next to you. This is an important skill that shows your boss you are reliable and ready for more responsibility.
Your Learning Superpowers
When you need to learn a new task or remember a forgotten step, use these three "superpowers":
1
Observing Others: If you aren't sure what to do next, watch a coworker who is doing the same job. Watch how they move, what tools they use, and how they finish the task.
2
Asking Smart Questions: It is always okay to ask for help, but try to be specific. Instead of saying "I'm stuck," try saying, "Could you show me how to open this box again?" or "Which shelf does this item go on?"
3
Using Resources: Most jobs have checklists, signs, or manuals. Look around for a written guide that might have the answer you need.
Staying on Track
To maintain your job and do it well every day, consistency is key. Here is how to stay focused:
Checklists
Use a checklist for your daily duties. Checking off each box gives you a sense of accomplishment and ensures no steps are missed.
Managing Time
Be aware of the time. If a task usually takes 10 minutes, set a timer or check the clock to make sure you aren't getting distracted.
"Independence isn't about doing everything alone; it's about knowing how to find the answers yourself."
My Independent Work Toolbox Worksheet My Independent Work Toolbox
Building strategies for workplace challenges
Student: ____________________
In your "toolbox," you have different strategies to use when work gets tough. For each situation below, choose which tool you would use and explain why.
Observe
Ask Smart Qs
Checklist
Timer
Situation 1: New Equipment
"A new machine arrived at work. You aren't sure how to turn it on, but your supervisor is busy in another room."
The Tool I'll Use:
My Plan:
Situation 2: Forgetting a Step
"You are cleaning the lobby, but you realize you've forgotten which spray to use for the windows."
The Tool I'll Use:
My Plan:
Situation 3: Too Many Tasks
"You have three things to do before your shift ends in 30 minutes. You are worried you won't finish."
The Tool I'll Use:
My Plan:
My Personal Tool
Is there a specific tool (like a certain person to ask or a specific way you take notes) that works best for you? Write it here.
Role Play Your Way to Success Activity Role Play Your Way to Success
Practicing focused workplace communication
How it works:
The teacher will play the role of a co-worker or boss. The student will respond to the situation, focusing on **staying on topic** and **communicating clearly**.
Scenario 1: The Request
Setting: You need help finding the trash bags.
Teacher (Co-worker): "Hey, how's it going today? Did you see that football game last night? It was wild!"
Student Goal:
Briefly acknowledge the co-worker, but quickly transition to asking about the trash bags without getting distracted by football talk.
Scenario 2: The Update
Setting: Your boss asks how your task is coming along.
Teacher (Boss): "Hi there. I noticed you've been working on the restocking. How much do you have left to do?"
Student Goal:
Give a direct answer about the restocking task. Avoid talking about what you had for lunch or other unrelated work tasks.
Scenario 3: The Interruption
Setting: A co-worker interrupts your work to tell a long story.
Teacher (Co-worker): "Oh man, you won't believe what happened at the grocery store this morning! My car wouldn't start, and then..."
Student Goal:
Politely tell the co-worker you are focused on your task and can talk during your break later.
Feedback Checklist
Stayed on topic?
Yes Getting There
Direct and clear communication?
Yes Getting There
Used polite transitions?
Yes Getting There
Notes for next time:
Workplace Communication Deep Dive Discussion Communication Deep Dive
Mastering workplace conversations
1
Why does staying on topic matter?
Think about how it feels when you are busy and someone keeps talking about unrelated things. How does staying on topic help your coworkers?
2
Reading the "Room"
What are some signs that a coworker is too busy to talk about hobbies or sports? (Look for: walking fast, looking at a clock, working while they talk.)
3
Polite Transitions
What are some "magic phrases" you can use to get back to work? (Examples: "I better get back to this," "Let's talk more on break," or "I want to finish this before lunch.")
Effective communication is a skill you can master!
Setting Work Goals Discussion Activity Setting Work Goals
Charting your course for success
1. What's one thing you want to achieve or get better at in your current job (or a future job)?
Think about a skill, a task, or even how you feel at work.
2. Why is this goal important to you?
How will achieving it help you succeed or feel better about your work?
3. What's one small, first step you can take this week to move towards this goal?
Let's break it down into something manageable.
4. Who could you talk to or what resources could you use if you need help with this goal?
Think about your coach, a supervisor, or a checklist.
Independent Work Skills Quiz Independent Work Skills Check
Knowledge Check & Review
Student: ____________________
1. What is the BEST way to learn a new task when your job coach isn't available?
A. Stop working and wait until your coach returns. B. Watch a co-worker perform the task and use a checklist. C. Guess how to do it and hope for the best.
2. When you need to ask a question, how should you phrase it?
A. "I don't get this." B. "Can you help me?" C. "Could you show me step 2 of the cleaning process again?"
3. True or False: Staying on topic during work conversations helps everyone be more successful.
TRUE FALSE
4. List TWO "tools" from your toolbox that you can use to stay on track during your shift.
My Next Steps Cool Down My Next Steps
Planning for the week ahead
Key Takeaway
What is the most important thing you learned today?
Small Goal
What is ONE small thing you will try to do differently at work this week?
Example: "I will look at my checklist before asking for help" or "I will use a timer for my restocking task."
You Are Ready for Success!
