Lesson 1: The Call Out
Duration of Days: 5
Lesson Objective
Students will demonstrate the ability to notify an employer of an absence using professional scripts and appropriate timing.
When is it too late to call out?
Who exactly do I talk to?
What is a valid reason versus an unprofessional one?
Shift
Coverage
Notice
Call-out
Protocol
Chain of Command
Emergency
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4
CRP.02
- Description: Students will analyze different absenteeism scenarios (ex. waking up with a fever, a flat tire on the way to work, or a family emergency). They will practice the three-step protocol: Identify the time, Contact the supervisor, and Provide a brief (not over-shared) reason.
- Purpose: To prevent job loss. Many students feel that if they can't make it, it's better to stay silent than to have a difficult conversation. This lesson replaces that fear with a concrete routine.
- DOK Level: 3
- Support: Provide a wallet script card. This is a small, laminated card with a fill-in-the-blank script: "Hi [Name], this is [My Name]. I'm calling to let you know I won't be in for my [Time] shift today because I am [Sick/Have an Emergency]. I plan to be back on [Date]."
- Visual: Use a communication flowchart showing who to call first (ex. Manager ? Supervisor ? Co-worker).
- Alternative Communication: For students with phone anxiety, practice using a professional sick day email template or a text message format if the employer allows it.
- Modeling: Use social stories to show the consequences of a no-call, no-show (Getting fired) vs. a proper call-out (Keeping the job).
- The Voicemail Challenge: Students must "call" the teacher’s desk or use a recording app to leave a 30-second professional voicemail as if they are calling out of their shift at a Meriden grocery store.
- Scenario Sorting: A worksheet where students must determine if a situation is an "Emergency Call-Out" (Car accident) or a "Request in Advance" (Doctor's appointment next week).