Career Guidance: Grades 6 to 9

Ability Explorer (Print-Non-Fiction). Harrington, Joan C. and Harrington, Thomas F. Houghton Mifflin Company (NEL), 1996. Order no. 92540-1 ($64.75 set of 25 booklets.).

This is a hand-scorable assessment booklet that students can use to help identify the skills and abilities that they have. With this knowledge they will be better equipped to plan for future careers and education opportunities. It has the potential to encourage goal setting and to give direction to students.
A copy of Directions for Administration and Scoring accompanies the booklet.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


The Be Real Game Facilitator's Kit - High School Edition Grades 9/10 (Kit). The Real Game Inc. (LRDC), 2000. Order no. 1029 ($256.30 Kit).

(CAN) As the world of work quickly changes, students need to be able to face the challenges ahead of them. This role-playing game introduces students to the forces behind the changes and helps to give them the skills needed to function successfully in the world of work. The game allows students to understand the variety of options and opportunities that they have. It also shows the implications of their choices and the importance of education and planning. The game is very flexible as it is possible to use all or parts of it to suit the needs of a particular class. This is an excellent resource as students have fun while they are learning very important practical skills.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Brand Marketing: Why We Eat, Drink, and Wear Brand Names (Video). Learning Seed Company (KIN), 2000. 19 min. Order no. 1175/1120 ($119.00).

This video provides an in-depth exploration of the power of brand names. The influence that advertising has on the youth culture and marketing in our consumer society is presented in an insightful and informative manner. The video includes sections on the evolution of brand names, the revolution in marketing, and licensing issues. This is an excellent video for promoting discussions about the power of advertising.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Self-Awareness
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; Social Studies: Grades 7-9; Social Studies 10/History 10


Business Education (Video). (Video Clips Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1998. 9 min. Dup. order no. V539. Teacher's Guide - Order no. G539 ($9.90 loose-leaf).

(CAN) The descriptions for four programs in this series follow:
In Shop 'till You Drop, Jonathan Harker learns the hard lessons of comparative shopping when he books a night at the Hotel Nosferatu.
In How's Business?, Ms. Business is in the hot seat as she tries to answer questions about the impact of business on the community.
In Dream Jobs Galore!, Mr. X Ploytation shares some of his dreamy ideas on hiring practises, hours of work, pay and health and safety issues.
In Celebrity Resumé, Samuel de Champlain, the father of New France, and his wife, Hélène Boullé, debate the issues of marriage in the 1600s.
A teacher's guide is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness


Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Reeves, Diane Lindsey. Facts On File, Inc. (FHW), 1998. 154 p. Order numbers follow. ($34.50 hdc.). Order numbers follow. ($19.50 pbk.).

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Art	ISBN 0-8160-3687-X pbk.	ISBN 0-8160-3681-0 hdc.
Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Science	ISBN 0-8160-3686-1 pbk.	ISBN 0-8160-3680-2 hdc.
Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Talking	ISBN 0-8160-3689-6 pbk.	ISBN 0-8160-3683-7 hdc.

These books provide activities for students to help uncover individual traits, abilities and interests. The series also offers students a variety of career possibilities that could be pursued. Information about various careers, descriptions of career planning resources, explanations for personal roadmaps, and profiles of people working in areas pertaining to each career is featured. The material is presented in an orderly, easy-to-read fashion, with black-and-white illustrations that help to enhance the text. Several appendices that encourage students to make informative decisions include a bibliography of further reading, Internet resources and other suggestions for finding pertinent information.
Please note that this is an American resource, although the general nature makes it appropriate for Canadian classrooms.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning


Career Studies 10 (Print-Non-Fiction). Wallace, Lee. Nelson Thomson Learning (LRDC/NEL), 2000. 246 p. LRDC - Order no. 3001 ($30.35 hdc.). NEL - Teacher's Resource (includes 2 CD-ROMs) - ISBN 0-17-620137-8 ($180.00 binder).

(CAN) Although written for the Ontario market, this resource covers most of the areas that are dealt with in the Saskatchewan curriculum. The resource is aimed at giving students the skills they will need to make good decisions concerning the directions their lives will take. Defining personal goals is stressed in the first unit while the second unit examines the skills each individual has. The final three units concentrate on cultivating the research skills that are needed for career and work options, developing real plans and reflecting on the career process. The material is well laid-out, with an expanded table of contents allowing easy access to the short chapters. Photographs, charts, tables and activities are used throughout the resource. An index and a glossary are included.
A teacher's resource is also available.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Careers in Culture (Kit). Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC), 1999. No order number is required. ($FREE).

(CAN) Culture is an extremely broad term and careers in this area vary greatly. This kit contains excellent resources that inform students about the many fields of employment within the cultural section. The six booklets in the kit focus on the information that students require to make a decision about careers in film and television, the new media, music and sound recording, the visual arts, writing and publishing and heritage.
An activity guide accompanies the booklets.
This CD-ROM has two main sections. The Discovery Game takes students through six buildings where they learn about the careers available and what the work involves. The Discovery Centre informs students about the education and training needed as well as how to present oneself when seeking work. Live video of workers in the cultural sector presents various tips for success.
A copy of the activity guide and booklets was sent to each high school in the fall of 2001. Further copies of the kit or individual components can be purchased from the Cultural Human Resources Council.
An online version is available at http://www.culturalhrc.ca
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; Career and Work Exploration; Communication Production Technology


Careers 10 (Print-Non-Fiction). Campbell, Judith and Hoey, Kelly. Prentice Hall Inc. (LRDC), 2000. 237 p. Order no. 6304 ($29.50 hdc.).

(CAN) This resource supports the curriculum as the first unit asks students to think about who they are, while the next two units have them consider where they are going and how they will get there. Within each unit, short and well-illustrated sections deal with topics such as building a career portfolio, doing a work values inventory, creating a networking tree, understanding the Canadian NOC, fitting into the new workplace, handling the job interview and understanding Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. Each section contains several student activities. Colour photographs, charts, drawings and tables add to the book's appeal, as does the easy-to-read text. An index and a glossary are included.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


The Changing Workplace: Self-Management (Video). (Workplace Readiness Series). Agency for Instructional Technology (AIT), 1992. No order number is required. ($125.00 U.S.).

This American video introduces the need for self-management in the changing workplace by depicting several challenging scenarios where workers are required to rely upon good judgement and ethics to effect a positive outcome. Specific issues covered include taking the initiative to improve job performance, being proactive in solving problems and conflicts, and learning from other workers who are successful or have more experience.
Although this video is dated, the information is still very relevant to today's students.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning


The Edge (Periodical). Canadian Career Development Foundation (NLW), No order number is required. ($FREE).

(CAN) This is an annual publication that is jointly sponsored by Human Resources Development Canada, the Canadian Career Development Foundation and the National Life/Work Centre. Each issue has a teenage guest editor who has put together several articles related to youth exploring work and life options. The high-quality graphics and layout add to its appeal. Interspersed between articles about youth and jobs are short definitions and self-help articles. This is an excellent resource to use with students.
An online version can be found at http://www.theedgemag.org.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Employability Skills: Creating My Future (Print-Non-Fiction). Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation. Nelson Thomson Learning (NEL), 1996. 31 p. ISBN 0-17-604664-X ($16.95 binder). Teacher's Guide - ISBN 0-17-604665-8 ($39.95 pbk.).

(CAN) This portfolio/binder is designed to encourage students to identify and organize their accomplishments in and out of school. The information in the student booklet is divided into four categories: assessment, goal setting, creating a portfolio and sharing a portfolio. Dividers and clear plastic folders are included.
The instructor's guide provides background information on the four categories as well as several blackline masters. Included with the guide is a pamphlet listing the Conference Board of Canada's employability skills.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration; Life Transitions 20/30


Horizons 2000+: Career Studies (Print-Non-Fiction). Misener, Judi and Butler, Susan. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited (LRDC), 2000. 275 p. Order no. 3349 ($31.40 hdc.).

(CAN) Whereas Expanding Your Horizons is aimed at the Secondary Level, this resource can also be used at the Middle Level. The authors have put together a very effective resource that combines an excellent layout with the essential information. Major topics include portfolios, discovering your strengths and pathways, and working in and experiencing the community. Colour photographs and drawings, charts, chapter objectives, activities and review all add to the book's appeal. An index and a glossary are included.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Job Skills Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Conley, Craig and Schwartz, Stuart. Capstone Press, Inc. (KRS), 1998. 32 p. Order numbers follow. ($27.20 hdc.).

Recommended titles include the following:

Being a Leader	ISBN 1-56065-715-4
Communicating With Others	ISBN 1-56065-716-2
Taking Responsibility	ISBN 1-56065-717-0
Working as a Team	ISBN 1-56065-718-9.

The topics in these easily read books may provide a starting point for discussion and research. Each volume is divided into one-page chapters with the key point of the chapter highlighted at the bottom of the page. Colour photographs enhance the text. Sections entitled "Words to Know," "To Learn More," "Useful Addresses" and "Internet Sites" are included.

Please note that although the information is not specifically Canadian, the general nature of the books make them applicable to Canadian classrooms.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Educational Planning; Self-Awareness

Looking at Work Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Conley, Craig and Schwartz, Stuart. Capstone Press, Inc. (KRS), 1999. 32 p. Order numbers follow. ($27.20 hdc.).

Recommended titles include the following:

Considering a Job Offer	ISBN 0-7368-0178-2
Earning Money	ISBN 1-56065-711-1
Exploring Job Skills	ISBN 1-56065-712-X
Finding Work	ISBN 1-56065-713-8
Interviewing for a Job	ISBN 1-56065-714-6
Interviewing for Information	ISBN 0-7368-0179-0
Networking to Find a Job	ISBN 0-7368-0180-4
Writing a Resumé	ISBN 0-7368-0181-2.

The information presented in this easily read series provides valuable factual information for the reader to consider in life career exploration. Wide-ranging topics related to career exploration are covered, and the material provides a basis for students to further expand their career planning. Each volume is divided into one-page chapters with the key point of the chapter highlighted at the bottom of the page. Colour photographs enhance the text. Sections entitled "Words to Know," "To Learn More," "Useful Addresses," and "Internet Sites" are included.
Please note that although the information is not specifically Canadian, the general nature of the books make them applicable to Canadian classrooms.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning


The Real Game. Junior High/Middle School ed. (Kit). Barry, Bill and Wright, Susan. (The Real Game Series). The Real Game Inc. (LRDC), 1995. Order no. 1908 ($215.50).

(CAN) This role-playing game is a career-exploration program that brings real life into the classroom. Students can actually "try on" careers and see if the careers suit their skills and interests. In addition, students are challenged to manage their desired lifestyle within the limits of the career they are assuming. This is an excellent teaching and learning tool to use at the Middle Level.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


The Real Game. Rev. ed. (Kit). Barry, Bill. (The Real Game Series). The Real Game Inc. (LRDC), 1999. Order no. 3582 ($215.55).

(CAN) This revised edition of a well-known role-playing game is a career-exploration program that brings real life into the classroom. Students can actually "try on" careers and see if the careers suit their skills and interests. In addition, students are challenged to manage their desired lifestyle within the limits of the career they are assuming. This is an excellent teaching and learning tool to use at the Middle Level.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Realm: Creating Work You Want (Periodical). Hendricks, Elisa, ed. Yes Canada-BC Publishing Division (YES), Published quarterly. No order number is required. ($FREE).

(CAN) Using short articles, great colour and attractive graphics, this journal will certainly appeal to students. The topics are for and about high school students and cover a wide variety of subjects. Sample topics of articles include a discussion on free trade and what it means to the young entrepreneur, tales of surviving oppressive job situations, enviro-entrepreneurs and opportunities in the tourism industry. Each edition features many websites of interest.
An online version is available at
http://www.realm.net. This periodical is also available in French.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Succeeding in the World of Work. 6th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Kimbrell, Grady and Vineyard, Ben S. Glencoe/McGraw Hill (MHR), 1998. 555 p. ISBN 0-02-814219-5 ($91.95 hdc.).

This general resource provides introductory information to most areas of career and work exploration. Although it is American in content, some of the areas such as self-assessment, exploring careers, finding a job, job skills and life skills can be applied to the Canadian situation as well. Areas that deal with topics such as occupational health and safety, labour standards and taxes would have to be supplemented by Canadian information. The book is very well laid out with colour photographs, lists of chapter objectives, summaries and questions for further investigation. An index and a glossary are included.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration


Why Ads Work: The Power of Self-Deception (Video). Learning Seed Company (KIN), 2000. 21 min. Order no. 1149/1120 ($119.00).

The use of language in advertising and how it is used to redirect, mislead, reassure, convince, exaggerate and minimize is explored in this program. The entertaining and informative video demonstrates to viewers that very carefully constructed advertising language often leads to an understanding gap that benefits advertisers. It also shows how less-than-careful listening or reading on the part of consumers contributes to disappointment. This type of consumer education is very important because of the increased sophistication of advertising.
Suggested Use: Self-Awareness
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; Social Studies: Grades 7-9


The World of Work Series. 1st ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Rosen Publishing Group (LRDC/SBC), 1997. 64 p. Order numbers follow.

Recommended titles include the following:

Choosing a Career in Animal Care	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2268-5 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Banking and Finance	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2269-3 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Computers	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2270-7 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Cosmetology	LRDC - Order no. 11467 ($24.00 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Film, Television, or Video	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2271-5 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Hotels, Motels, and Resorts	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2273-1 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Law Enforcement	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2274-X ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Music	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2275-8 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in Nutrition	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2276-6 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in the Helping Professions	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2272-3 ($30.65 hdc.)
Choosing a Career in the Restaurant Industry	SBC - ISBN 0-8239-2277-4 ($30.65 hdc.).

This series presents a detailed look at various careers. Each book begins with an introduction that presents a context for the particular career being studied. The chapters that follow profile career possibilities and suggest the educational planning needed in order to achieve the career. "Questions to Ask Yourself" at the end of each chapter provide for student reflection. A glossary, table of contents and suggestions for further reading help to make this resource user friendly.

Please note that the addresses included are American, and it is recommended that teachers balance the information in these books with Canadian content
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning


Young Artists (Video). (I Can Do Stuff Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 29 min. Dup. order no. V530. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G527 ($4.30 loose-leaf).

(CAN, I/M) Profiles of children involved in various artistic endeavors illustrate how ideas and emotions are expressed in many art forms. Segments feature young people excelling as a piano composer, a voice actor, aboriginal dancers, modern dancers, a child artist, and a child actor.
A teacher's guide for the series is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning


Young Athletes (Video). (I Can Do Stuff Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 28 min. Dup. order no. V527. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G527 ($4.30 loose-leaf).

(CAN) This program illustrates the many exciting ways that physical activity can provide personal challenge and satisfaction. Each segment focuses on a different activity and introduces the children involved. Segments feature young people who participate in mountain biking, an all-girl rodeo, dressage, kayaking, trampolining and karate.
A teacher's guide for the series is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Physical Education: Elementary Level; Physical Education: Grades 6 to 9


Young Competitors (Video). (I Can Do Stuff Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 24 min. Dup. order no. V531. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G527 ($4.30 loose-leaf).

(CAN, I/M) Portraits of children participating in various competitive pursuits introduce some not typically seen, such as lacrosse and ballroom dancing. Viewers will see that competition can take place on a thinking level, as in chess, and they will observe competitive skills such as strategy, teamwork, practice and motivation. Segments also feature young people on a synchronized swim team and those meeting the challenge of participating in a triathalon. Children in this program discover the satisfactions of healthy competition, goal-setting and achieving!
A teacher's guide for this series is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Physical Education: Elementary Level; Physical Education: Grades 6 to 9


Young Explorers (Video). (I Can Do Stuff Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 27 min. Dup. order no. V532. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G527 ($4.30 loose-leaf).

(CAN) Children exhibit their aptitudes for exploration as they demonstrate teamwork and self-confidence. Activities provide an outlet for their love of the outdoors and their affinity for science, nature and adventure. Segments encourage children to chart new courses and to connect with their environment. Scenarios feature young people who demonstrate high rope challenges and elements, junior gardeners at the Royal Botanical Gardens, children involved in orienteering, a trail maintenance team that works to preserve and protect the environment, and the president of a community nature club.
A teacher's guide for the series is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Physical Education: Elementary Level; Physical Education: Grades 6 to 9


Young Professionals (Video). (I Can Do Stuff Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 29 min. Dup. order no. V528. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G527 ($4.30 loose-leaf).

(CAN) Profiles of children who are developing skills for future career ambitions demonstrate kids' capacity for teamwork, leadership, hard work and determination. Segments feature examples of girls in pursuits that defy traditional gender expectations (e.g., a female soccer coach and a female astronaut trainee). Segments feature young people who learn about playing in a rock-and-roll band; becoming a pilot, an ambulance volunteer, a soccer coach, a tennis ball girl; and preparing for a trip to space.
A teacher's guide for the series is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning


Young Scientists (Video). (I Can Do Stuff Series). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 30 min. Dup. order no. V529. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G527 ($4.30 loose-leaf).

(CAN) Children can derive great pleasure from scientific study and activity, cultivating a lifetime interest that can lead to a career in science. This program from the I Can Do Stuff Series presents a variety of interesting science-related pursuits to their young participants. Segments feature young people interested in beekeeping, paleontology, a llama club, pumpkin growing, butterflies and pig farming.
A teacher's guide for the series is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Career Awareness, Exploration and Planning
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level