First Day Slides First Day Ready
Mastering Your New Job Start
Preparation: The Night Before
1
Pick your outfit: Ensure it is clean, wrinkle-free, and fits the dress code.
2
Pack your bag: Include your ID, lunch, a notebook, and a pen.
3
Set your alarm: Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
"Success is where preparation meets opportunity."
The Power of "Hello"
Eye Contact
Look at people when you speak to show you are listening.
The Handshake
A firm (but not too hard) handshake or a friendly wave.
Introductions
"Hi, my name is [Name]. I'm excited to start working here!"
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
When should you ask for help?
You forgot where the breakroom is.
You don't understand a task.
You need to find a tool.
You finished your first job.
Tip: Keep a small notebook to write down the answers!
Professional Do's and Don'ts
DO
• Be on time or early
• Listen carefully to instructions
• Wear your uniform properly
DON'T
• Use your cell phone during work
• Complain about tasks
• Leave without telling your boss
First Day Guide Teacher Instruction Guide
Lesson: First Day Ready
Learning Objectives
Identify steps for a successful "Night Before" routine.
Practice professional introductions and body language.
Identify appropriate times to ask for help in a workplace.
Understand basic workplace "Do's and Don'ts".
Timing & Materials
Duration: 60-90 Minutes
Materials: First Day Slides, Morning Mission Schedule, Social Situations Worksheet, Task Cards.
Lesson Flow
Hook
The "What If?" Game (10 min)
Ask students: "What if you woke up late for your first day of work? How would you feel?" Discuss the importance of preparation.
Direct
Slide Presentation (20 min)
Use "First Day Slides" to introduce key concepts. Focus on introductions—have students pair up and practice the "Handshake & Hello".
Guided
Visual Schedule Creation (20 min)
Hand out the "Morning Mission Schedule". Model how to fill in a personalized morning routine to ensure an early arrival.
Practice
Station Rotation (30 min)
Divide the class into three stations: 1) Social Situations Worksheet, 2) Workplace Task Cards, 3) Role-Play with Teacher.
Differentiated Instruction
Support Level 1: Visual/Concrete
Provide pre-cut images for the Morning Mission Schedule. Use the Task Cards with adult modeling first. Focus on 1-step directions.
Support Level 2: Guided/Scaffolded
Use sentence starters for introductions. Provide a word bank for the Social Situations Worksheet.
Extension: Advanced/Independent
Challenge students to write a "First Day Survival Guide" for a peer. Role-play complex situations (e.g., correcting a mistake).
Teacher Tip
"Encourage students to take photos of their actual work uniforms to glue onto their visual schedules."
Common Misconceptions
The Myth: "I'll just wing it."
Students often underestimate morning anxiety. Emphasize that routines reduce stress, not just manage time.
The Myth: "I can't ask questions."
Many students feel asking for help makes them look incompetent. Reframe questions as a sign of being a professional learner.
Discussion Prompts
"Why might an employer care if you are 5 minutes late?"
"What are some body language cues that show you are paying attention during training?"
"If you finish your task early, what is a professional way to ask for more work?"
Success Criteria
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
State 3 night-before tasks.
Demonstrate a professional greeting.
Identify 2 'help-needed' scenarios.
Complete a personal morning schedule.
Morning Mission Schedule Morning Mission
Your Step-by-Step Guide to First Day Success
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Part 1: The Night Before Launch
Check Your Outfit
Is it clean? Is it the right dress code?
Ready
Pack Your Bag
Lunch, ID, keys, pen, and notebook.
Ready
Set The Alarm
Set it early enough for a calm morning!
Ready
Part 2: Morning Timeline
: ____
Wake Up & Get Ready
Shower, brush teeth, and get dressed.
: ____
Eat Breakfast & Grab Bag
Fuel up for a busy day!
: ____
Head Out the Door
Travel time to the job site.
: ____
Arrival Time
Arrive 15 minutes before your shift starts!
Notes / Important Reminders Social Situations Worksheet Social Situations
First Day Scenarios at Work
Name:
Date:
Directions
Read each workplace scenario carefully. Think about the professional "Do's and Don'ts" we discussed. Write or draw what you should do in each situation.
1
The Introduction
You just arrived at your new job. You see your supervisor, Mrs. Miller, coming toward you. You haven't met her in person yet.
What do you say and do?
2
Feeling Confused
Your coworker, Sam, shows you how to use the barcode scanner. It looks complicated, and you are worried you might forget the steps.
How should you handle this?
3
The Cell Phone Temptation
You are stocking shelves and your pocket buzzes. Your friend is texting you about a movie. No one is watching you right now.
What is the professional choice?
4
Job Well Done
You finished all the tasks your boss gave you for the morning. There is still 30 minutes left before your lunch break.
What should you do next?
Reflection
Of all the professional skills we practiced today, which one do you think is the **most important**? Why?
Workplace Wisdom Task Cards Workplace Wisdom Task Cards
Cut along the dotted lines and practice these workplace skills!
Greeting
The Meet & Greet
Find a partner. Practice introducing yourself. Use a firm handshake and eye contact.
Goal: Say your name clearly and smile.
Timing
Clocking In
Practice finding the "clock-in" area or computer. Set a timer for 5 minutes and pretend to start your shift.
Goal: Be ready to work 5 minutes early.
Communication
Asking for Help
Pretend you can't find the supplies you need. Go to your teacher and ask for help using a professional voice.
Goal: "Excuse me, could you show me where...?"
Learning
Taking Notes
Listen to a 3-step instruction from your teacher. Write the steps down in your notebook so you don't forget.
Goal: Write Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3.
Focus
Cell Phone Check
Before starting your "work", practice putting your cell phone in a safe, away-place (like your locker or bag).
Goal: Work for 15 mins with NO phone.
Initiative
What's Next?
You finished your work early! Go to the teacher and say: "I've finished my task. Is there something else I can help with?"
Goal: Show you are ready to keep working.
Social Situations Key Answer Key
Material: Social Situations
This key provides suggested professional responses for the Social Situations Worksheet. Use these to guide class discussions or grade student work.
1. The Introduction
Suggested Response:
"Hi Mrs. Miller, my name is [Name]. I am very excited to start my first day here. It’s nice to meet you!"
Key Elements:
Greeting her by name (Mrs. Miller).
Saying their own name clearly.
Using a positive, excited tone.
Accompanying with eye contact and a firm handshake/wave.
2. Feeling Confused
Suggested Response:
"Thanks for showing me, Sam. Could I try it while you watch me to make sure I’m doing it right? Also, can I write down these steps in my notebook?"
Key Elements:
Acknowledging the help (Thanking Sam).
Asking for guided practice (learning by doing).
Taking initiative to record instructions for future reference.
3. The Cell Phone Temptation
Suggested Response:
"Keep the phone in my pocket or locker and do not check the message. I can wait until my scheduled break or after work to respond to my friend."
Key Elements:
Recognizing that work time is not for personal texting.
Understanding that professional expectations apply even when unsupervised.
Planning to check the phone during a designated break.
4. Job Well Done
Suggested Response:
"Find my supervisor and say: 'I finished the task you gave me. Is there anything else I can help with while I wait for lunch?'"
Key Elements:
Taking initiative instead of sitting idle.
Reporting progress to the boss.
Asking for more work or the "next steps."
Dress Code Slides Dressed for Success
Understanding Workplace Dress Codes
Why Dress Codes Matter?
Safety
Wearing the right gear (like non-slip shoes) keeps you safe.
Respect
Shows you take your job and your boss seriously.
Teamwork
Uniforms help customers know who can help them.
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
— Workplace Pro Tip
3 Common Styles
Uniforms
Everyone wears the same specific shirt or outfit.
Example: Fast Food
Business Casual
Polo shirts, khakis, or sweaters. No jeans with holes.
Example: Office/Retail
Professional
Suits, ties, dress shirts, and dress shoes.
Example: Bank/Law
Beyond the Clothes
1
Clean & Wrinkle-Free
2
Neat Hair & Nails
3
Neutral Scent (No heavy perfume)
Check Yourself!
Before you leave, look in a mirror. Would you trust yourself if you were the boss?
Ready to Review?
What should you wear if you aren't sure?
Dress a little nicer than you think is required!
Who can you ask about dress code?
Your boss, HR, or look at your employee handbook.
Professional Polish Guide Teacher Instruction Guide
Lesson: Professional Polish
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between uniform, business casual, and professional attire.
Explain why hygiene and grooming are essential for employment.
Select appropriate attire for specific job scenarios.
Identify resources for understanding workplace dress codes.
Timing & Materials
Duration: 60 Minutes
Materials: Dress Code Slides, Style Sort Worksheet, Outfit Scenario Task Cards.
Lesson Flow
Hook
The "Mystery Worker" (10 min)
Show images of people in various work outfits (doctor, chef, construction worker, banker). Ask: "How do you know what their job is just by looking at them?"
Direct
Slide Presentation & Discussion (15 min)
Present "Dress Code Slides". Discuss the 'safety' aspect of dress codes (PPE, non-slip shoes) as well as professionalism.
Guided
Style Sort Activity (15 min)
Students work on the "Style Sort Worksheet". Walk around to provide feedback on categorizing clothing items.
Practice
Outfit Scenario Role-Play (20 min)
Use the "Outfit Scenario Task Cards". Have students pull a card and describe or pick out (if physical clothes are available) what they would wear.
Key Teaching Points
Safety First
Emphasize that many dress codes are for protection (e.g., hair nets in kitchens, steel-toed boots on sites). It's not just about "looking good".
Grooming Basics
Keep the hygiene discussion neutral and objective. Focus on workplace expectations rather than personal habits.
"Dress One Level Up"
Teach the rule of thumb: If you aren't sure, dress slightly more formal than the current staff. It's safer to be overdressed than underdressed.
Teacher Tip
"Bring in a basket of actual clothing items (tie, polo, high-vis vest, apron) for a hands-on 'speed sort' game."
Differentiation Strategies
1
Visual Support
Provide an "Outfit Cheat Sheet" with pictures of full ensembles for students who struggle with abstract categories.
2
Tactile Learners
Have students feel different fabrics (silk vs. cotton vs. polyester) and discuss which ones are most appropriate for physical labor vs. office work.
3
Verbal Scaffolding
Provide sentence frames for describing outfits: "I would wear _____ because this job is _____."
Style Sort Worksheet Style Sort
Matching the Look to the Job
Name:
Date:
Word Bank
Khakis Silk Tie Apron Suit Jacket Polo Shirt Dress Shoes Company Hat Pencil Skirt Name Tag Sweater Vest Loafers
Uniform
Business Casual
Professional
Part 2: True or False
1. It is okay to wear wrinkled clothes as long as they are clean.
True
False
2. You should always wash your hands before starting your shift.
True
False
3. Flip-flops are safe to wear in most workplace environments.
True
False
Outfit Scenario Cards Outfit Scenario Task Cards
Role-play picking the perfect outfit for these jobs!
Kitchen
The Sandwich Shop
You are working behind the counter at a deli. You will be handle food and moving quickly.
Question: Should you wear an apron and non-slip shoes? Why?
Education
Library Assistant
You are helping people find books in a quiet library. The dress code is "Business Casual."
Question: Is a polo shirt and khakis a good choice?
Finance
The Local Bank
You are greeting customers at the front door of a bank. The dress code is "Professional."
Question: Should you wear a suit or a t-shirt?
Outdoor
Garden Center
You are lifting heavy bags of soil and watering plants. You will get dirty.
Question: What kind of shoes are best for this job?
Retail
The Clothing Store
You work at a trendy clothing store. They want you to wear the clothes they sell.
Question: How do you make sure your outfit looks neat and clean?
Medical
Vet Assistant
You are helping a veterinarian take care of dogs and cats. You wear "Scrubs" (a uniform).
Question: Why is a uniform better than a suit for this job?
Talk the Talk Slides Talk the Talk
Mastering Workplace Communication
Two Ways We Communicate
Verbal
The words we choose and how we say them (tone of voice).
• Speaking clearly
• Using polite words
• Volume control
Non-Verbal
What our body says without using any words at all.
• Eye contact
• Posture
• Facial expressions
Active Listening
How to be a Great Listener:
Stop working
Put down tools and look at the speaker.
Nod your head
Show them you are following along.
Don't interrupt
Wait for the person to finish talking.
Ask "Checking" Questions
"So you want me to stock the bread next?"
The Professional Switch
Instead of...
"I don't get it."
Instead of...
"I'm bored."
Try saying...
"Could you explain that again?"
Try saying...
"Is there something else I can help with?"
Communication Challenge!
How would you greet a customer who just walked in?
"Yo, what's up?"
"Hi! How can I help you today?"
Think: Which one is professional?
Talk the Talk Guide Teacher Instruction Guide
Lesson: Talk the Talk
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between verbal and non-verbal communication.
Demonstrate active listening skills (eye contact, nodding, not interrupting).
Practice using professional phrasing for common workplace needs.
Demonstrate a professional greeting for customers and supervisors.
Timing & Materials
Duration: 60-75 Minutes
Materials: Talk the Talk Slides, Communication Phrases Worksheet, Practice Task Cards.
Lesson Flow
Hook
The Silent Instructions (10 min)
Try to give a student a 3-step direction (e.g., "pick up the pen, walk to the door, and knock") using *only* non-verbal communication. Discuss how important both words and body language are for clarity.
Direct
Slide Presentation (20 min)
Present "Talk the Talk Slides". Stop at Slide 3 (Active Listening) and model "Poor Listening" (looking at phone, walking away) vs "Active Listening" for the class.
Guided
Phrase Switching (15 min)
Work through the "Communication Phrases Worksheet" as a group. Practice saying the "Professional" phrases out loud with a polite tone of voice.
Practice
Role-Play Stations (20 min)
Use the "Communication Task Cards". Have students rotate and practice specific scenarios: answering a phone, greeting a customer, and asking a boss for help.
Differentiation
Low Support / High Challenge
Have students handle "difficult" customers (e.g., a customer who is unhappy) and practice de-escalation using professional phrasing.
Moderate Support
Provide a "Cheat Sheet" of professional phrases that they can carry in their pocket during role-plays.
High Support
Use 2-choice options for phrasing (e.g., "Should I say 'What?' or 'Excuse me?'"). Focus on one non-verbal skill at a time (e.g., just eye contact).
Social Cue Tip
"Remind students that 'Eye Contact' doesn't mean staring—it means looking toward the person's face to show you are listening."
Active Listening Checklist
Provide this checklist to students during role-plays to help them evaluate their partners:
Body faces the speaker
Eye contact is made
Hands are still / No fidgeting
Waited for person to finish
Common Misconceptions
"Being quiet is enough."
Just being quiet doesn't mean you are listening. You must show the speaker you are engaged through non-verbal cues.
Talk the Talk Worksheet Talk the Talk
Professional Phrases for the Workplace
Name:
Date:
How to be Professional
When we are with friends, we use "Casual" talk. At work, we use "Professional" talk. Switch the phrases below to make them workplace-ready!
Casual / Friend Talk
"What? I didn't hear you."
Professional / Work Talk
"Could you repeat that, please?"
Casual / Friend Talk
"I'm all done. Can I go now?"
Professional / Work Talk
Casual / Friend Talk
"Where's the bathroom at?"
Professional / Work Talk
Casual / Friend Talk
"Whatever."
Professional / Work Talk
Tone of Voice Check
How would you say "Yes, I can do that" to a boss? Circle the best tone:
Annoyed
Polite
Shouting
Why is being polite important? Communication Task Cards Talk the Talk Task Cards
Practice your professional voice and body language!
Customer
The Greeting
A customer just walked into the store. You are stocking shelves nearby.
Task: Look up, smile, and say: "Hello! How can I help you today?"
Supervisor
Asking for Help
You are trying to find the mop, but you don't know where it is kept.
Task: Find your "boss" and say: "Excuse me, could you show me where the mop is?"
Phone
Answering the Phone
The business phone rings. You need to answer it professionally.
Task: Pick up and say: "Thank you for calling [Store Name], this is [Name]. How can I help you?"
Clarification
I Don't Understand
Your boss gives you a complicated direction that you didn't quite catch.
Task: Say: "I'm sorry, could you explain that one more time? I want to make sure I do it right."
Coworker
Team Support
You see your coworker, Alex, struggling to carry a heavy box.
Task: Walk over and ask: "Hey Alex, would you like a hand with that?"
Leaving
Ending Your Shift
It is time for you to go home. You need to let your boss know.
Task: Say: "I've finished my work for the day. Is there anything else before I head out?"
