Where We Learn: Different Kinds of Schools
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about schools and education.
- Talk about the different types of schools you know.
- Read about a student who went to different kinds of schools.
- Listen to a conversation about different school experiences.
- Write about why having different kinds of schools is important.
Key Words:
- Public School: A school that is free and open to everyone.
- Private School: A school that costs money to attend.
- Charter School: A special kind of public school with its own rules.
- Trade School: A school that teaches you skills for a specific job, like cooking or fixing cars.
- Community College: A school where you can study for two years before going to a bigger university.
- University: A school where you can get a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degrees.
- Homeschooling: Learning at home instead of going to a school.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What kind of school did you go to? (Public, private, or something else?)
- What are some good things about (type of school)?
- What are some things that are different about different kinds of schools? (Class size, subjects, cost, etc.)
Let’s Read a Story!
Sarah wanted to be a nurse. First, she went to community college to take some classes. Then, she went to a university to study nursing. She also took some special classes at a trade school to learn extra skills. Now, Sarah is a great nurse!
Questions about the Story:
- What did Sarah want to be?
- What different kinds of schools did she go to?
- How did these schools help her reach her goal?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short conversation between two friends talking about their different school experiences. One went to public school, the other was homeschooled.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is interested in going back to school. The other gives suggestions about what kind of school might be best.
Example:
- Person: “I want to learn how to fix cars. What kind of school should I go to?”
- Friend: “You should look into trade schools. They offer programs for mechanics.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about why you think it’s important to have different types of schools.
Extra Fun:
If you can, research a famous person who went to a unique type of school. Share what you find with the class!
