Every Friday, Shrub Oak International School’s Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) class ventures into the community for a hands-on learning experience that helps prepare students for real-world responsibilities. With shopping lists in hand, Shrub Oak students head to the local grocery store, ready to tackle the week’s assignment: gathering the ingredients for the upcoming week’s breakfast menu.
This weekly outing is an opportunity for our students to enhance critical life skills in a supportive and practical environment. Each student is tasked with locating and purchasing specific items from their shopping list. This responsibility fosters organization and attention to detail, as students learn to navigate aisles, compare prices, and select the best options for their needs.
As part of the process, students practice decision-making by evaluating brands, quantities, and prices to stay within a budget. Money management comes into play at the checkout, where students calculate costs, interact with cashiers, and handle transactions. These essential skills are foundational for future independence, and we are thrilled to see our students grow more confident each week.
Beyond skill-building, these outings create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with their community. From greeting store employees to navigating crowded spaces, students learn to adapt and build social confidence in a real-world setting. These interactions are invaluable, reinforcing their ability to communicate effectively and assert themselves in diverse situations.
The pride our students take in their accomplishments is evident. By taking ownership of their tasks, they gain a sense of autonomy that extends far beyond the grocery store. Completing their assigned responsibilities boosts their self-esteem and shows them the tangible impact of their efforts. Back at school, the ingredients they have purchased come to life in the kitchen, where they collaborate to prepare breakfast for the week.
This hands-on approach aligns with Shrub Oak’s transdisciplinary philosophy, integrating practical experiences with academic learning. It is inspiring to watch our students apply what they’ve learned in class to real-world situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Whether it is math concepts like addition and subtraction at the register or following a list to enhance reading comprehension, these outings reinforce classroom lessons in a dynamic way.
We are proud to witness the progress our students make as they embrace these challenges with determination and enthusiasm. Their growing confidence, independence, and engagement with the community exemplify the goals of the CDOS program. Each shopping trip is a step forward in preparing our students for the future, equipping them with the skills and self-assurance needed to navigate life beyond the classroom.
By stepping out into the world, our students are not only building their own capabilities but also showing the community the value of inclusive education. These weekly trips highlight the importance of providing real-world learning experiences, and we are excited to see our students continue to flourish.
