Our small groups are designed not only to unite students
with similar issues and tackle the emotional and behavioral challenges the face,
but we also encourage leadership skills and other traits to help our students
succeed in life beyond the school walls. Our Bookstore group presents students
with a real job opportunity. Students experience different roles at the store, they
design marketing materials, set prices and above all learn about real life
consequences.
Unlike our other groups, the Bookstore group technically
meets two times a week—one for the regular group session and a second time
during the student’s lunch/free period to open the store. We don’t gather the
students together before the store opens or hunt them down if they’re not
there. It’s understood that just like a real job, it is the students’
responsibility to show up and work at the bookstore if they want to participate
in the project. And just like a real job, not showing up on time or at all, has
consequences. I asked my students, “What happens if you don’t show up for work
and don’t call?” “You get fired!” was the unanimous answer.
Of course, we can’t actually fire our students, but we can
simulate the experience. If students don’t show up to work at the Bookstore,
they’re given a warning. If they miss “work” a second time without a reason,
the students are no longer allowed to sell in the bookstore. They will still be
a part of the regular weekly Partnership with Children group, but they will
miss out on the fun part of selling and operating a real business. On the flip
side, students who are always on time and do a good job are rewarded with
notebooks or other items from the store. The students in the Bookstore group
really enjoy running their own business, but also are excited to have real
responsibilities and be trusted. It’s funny, after nearly four years in this
school, I’ve never had to “fire” a Bookstore employee. If a student does get a warning,
he so worried about losing his new responsibilities that he’s on his best
behavior the rest of the year!
