The Elementary Career Lab Experience: Play Based Learning That Builds Future Pathways

This session will explore the importance of elementary career exploration by showing how play based, hands on learning can build strong career awareness. Participants will examine research that supports early career development and learn how playful exploration strengthens academic engagement, SEL skills, and future readiness. I will walk through the creation and structure of my Career Lab as well as share practical alternatives that any campus can implement, even without a dedicated space. The session also addresses funding options as well as alternative ideas to traditional "Career Day". Participants will leave with actionable ideas, ready to bring meaningful career exploration to life in the elementary setting.

Learning Objectives:

1.) Identify at least three research based reasons early career exploration is essential for elementary students and explain how these reasons align with campus goals, district initiatives, and the Texas Model for School Counseling. 2.) Describe how play based and hands on learning strengthen career awareness, SEL skills, and academic engagement and list at least two examples that can be used on individual campuses. 3.) Explain the structure and purpose of an elementary Career Lab and outline the key components needed to create a similar experience.

Speaker:

Jennefer Bell