I Can Cards

Building career identity ..

'You already have some quite complex skills.'

Those of you who have attended my Identity and Career Choices workshops will have heard me speak of ways to strengthen career identity in young people who do not think they have any skills. I was asked some time ago for tools to facilitate and encourage conversations with students at risk - often young men -who are least likely to talk about their dreams or be able to describe their skills. And of course, if they can't name their skills they don't think they have any. So the process of building career identity in these young people is to start the conversation with what they love, and work with that.

These highly visual cards describe the skills of a particular activity, and match the skill card with an associated card outlining the qualities and learning skills required by the activity. These skills can be defined with the student, discussed with a group, and used for a wider careers conversation about what they already know how to do. They are starter cards - you and your students will be able to add other skills and qualities to the lists, and consider other activities. These cards feature boys undertaking activities; what about girls? groups? cultural activities? I may produce more cards, but you may find your students are able to do so.

Matching cards also make great posters, from which students can find inspiration, and ideas for similar cards about similar activities. Displaying these posters provides ongoing affirmation for students.

I've been asked for this resource, so here it is - an initial set for the activities of Skateboarding, Surfing, Music and Cars. The cards are laminated for handling durability, and packaged.

I Can Cards (A4 size, laminated, set of eight) Price $60.00+GST per master set.
Allows you to copy for posters, extra cards for group work on one site.