Course Content
Self-Awareness & Self-Advocacy
Identifying strengths, needs, interests / Understanding disability in age-appropriate terms / Self-advocacy basics
Workplace Readiness
Work behaviors and soft skills / Time management / Following directions and using checklists
Community Navigation
Transportation (bus, UTA, rideshare safety) / Reading signs and maps / Public-place expectations (stores, libraries, clinics) /
Independent Living Skills
Laundry, cleaning, chores / Understanding leases and rules of shared living / Basic home safety
Communication & Relationships
Appropriate interactions / Digital/online safety / Setting boundaries
Health & Wellness
Understanding medicines / Scheduling appointments / Recognizing physical and mental health needs
Planning for the Future
IEP transition goals / Long–term planning (college, vocational programs, employment) / Accessing adult services (DSPD, Voc Rehab)
Executive Functioning & Soft Skills
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Transition to Adulthood

Purpose of routines; examples of morning/evening routines.

Below is a clean, professional PISPA lesson plan for Unit 2 → Lesson 1: Why Daily Routines Matter.
Designed for a 45–50 minute block.


Unit 2 — Daily Living Skills

Lesson 1: Why Daily Routines Matter

Time: 45–50 minutes
Goal: Students understand what a daily routine is, why it matters, and how it supports independence.


P — Purpose (Objective)

Students will explain what a daily routine is and identify at least three benefits of having a consistent routine (school, home, and personal life).


I — Introduction (5–7 minutes)

Hook:
Show two contrasting scenarios (verbal or on board):

  • Student A wakes up late, forgets materials, misses breakfast.

  • Student B follows a simple morning routine and arrives prepared.

Ask:

  • “Which student will have a better day? Why?”

Mini-connection:
Explain that adults, workplaces, and communities depend on routines to stay organized, safe, and predictable.


S — Study (15–20 minutes)

Teach the key concepts:

1. What is a routine?

A routine is a repeated set of actions done in the same order each day.

2. Why routines matter:

  • Reduce stress by creating predictability

  • Improve school and work performance

  • Help with memory and organization

  • Support hygiene and health

  • Build independence and self-confidence

3. Examples of common routines:

  • Morning routine

  • Getting ready for school/work

  • After-school routines

  • Bedtime routines

4. Connection to adulthood:

Explain how routines are part of employment, home life, medical needs, and community responsibilities.

Use simple visuals or a short guided note sheet for clarity.


P — Practice (15 minutes)

Students apply learning:

Activity A — Identify Routines

Students circle or highlight activities that belong in a morning routine from a mixed list (e.g., brushing teeth, watching a movie, packing backpack, etc.).

Activity B — Benefits Sorting

Provide cards or items to sort into categories:

  • “Helps Me Stay Healthy”

  • “Helps Me Be On Time”

  • “Helps Me Stay Organized”

Optional quick share:

Students share one routine they already follow.


A — Assessment (5–8 minutes)

Exit Task (simple, quick):
Students complete the sentence:

  • “A daily routine is ______.”

  • “One benefit of having a routine is ______.”

Or a 3-question check:

  1. What is a routine?

  2. Name one part of a morning routine.

  3. Why do routines help adults?

This provides immediate evidence of understanding.


If you want, I can now generate:

  • A printable student worksheet

  • A Canvas-ready version

  • A slideshow outline

  • A 30-minute compressed version for real classroom pacing

Unit 2 — Daily Living Skills
Lesson 1: Why Daily Routines Matter
❓ How do routines help me stay organized, healthy, and prepared?
🎯 Purpose (Objective)

Students will explain what a daily routine is and identify at least three benefits of having a consistent routine at home, school, or work.

🔰 Introduction

Scenario A: Wakes up late, forgets materials, misses breakfast.

Scenario B: Follows a simple morning routine and arrives prepared.

Prompt: Which student will have a better day? Why?

Explain that adults, workplaces, and communities depend on routines to stay organized, safe, and predictable.

📘 Study

1. What is a Routine?

A routine is a repeated set of actions done in the same order each day.

2. Why Routines Matter

  • Reduce stress through predictability
  • Improve school and work performance
  • Support memory and organization
  • Promote hygiene and health
  • Build independence and self-confidence

3. Common Routines

  • Morning routine
  • Getting ready for school or work
  • After-school routine
  • Bedtime routine

4. Connection to Adulthood

Adults use routines every day in jobs, home life, appointments, transportation, and responsibilities. Routines help adults stay on time, stay healthy, and meet expectations.

🧩 Interactive Practice

Complete the activity below to practice identifying parts of a routine and the benefits of routines.

📝 Practice
Activity A — Identify Routine Items

From the mixed list, choose which actions belong in a morning routine:

  • Brushing teeth
  • Watching a movie
  • Packing backpack
  • Putting on deodorant
  • Eating breakfast
Activity B — Sorting Benefits

Sort each benefit into the correct category:

  • Helps Me Stay Healthy
  • Helps Me Be On Time
  • Helps Me Stay Organized
📊 Assessment

Answer the exit questions below:

  • What is a routine?
  • Name one thing in a morning routine.
  • Why do routines help adults?

Students can type their responses in Canvas, or orally explain their answers.

📄 Teacher Lesson Plan (Printable)

Topic: Daily Living Skills – Daily Routines
Lesson: Why Daily Routines Matter
Time: 45–50 minutes

Purpose (We will / so I can / to / by)
We will study the benefits of daily routines
so I can explain what a routine is and describe why it helps me
to make my day easier and stay prepared
by creating a simple routine for my current school day.

Materials

  • Whiteboard or display (Scenarios A and B)
  • Student paper or routine template
  • Optional: printed routine icons or picture cards

Lesson Procedure (PISPA)

P – Purpose (2–3 minutes)
Read the Purpose statement aloud and explain that routines are tools to help students be successful at school, at home, and in future jobs.

I – Introduction (5–7 minutes)

  1. Present Scenario A (no routine) and Scenario B (with routine).
  2. Ask: “Which student will have a better day? Why?”
  3. Connect answers to routines helping people be on time, prepared, and less stressed.

S – Study (15–20 minutes)

  1. Define a routine in student-friendly language.
  2. List common routines (morning, school, after-school, bedtime).
  3. Teach key benefits of routines (less stress, better organization, health, independence).
  4. Give 1–2 examples of how adults use routines at work and at home.

P – Practice (10–15 minutes)

  1. Activity A: Students identify actions that belong in a morning routine from a mixed list.
  2. Activity B: Students sort benefits into categories (Helps Me Stay Healthy, Helps Me Be On Time, Helps Me Stay Organized).
  3. Model one example for each activity as needed.

A – Assessment (5–8 minutes)

  1. Students answer:
    • What is a routine?
    • Name one thing in a morning routine.
    • Why do routines help adults?
  2. Collect written or oral responses as evidence of learning.

Differentiation / Supports

  • Provide sentence starters for responses.
  • Use picture supports for routines and benefits.
  • Allow verbal, drawing, or scribed responses as needed.

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