Comprehensive Kinder-5th Grade
Educational Resources
It's never too soon to start preparing for the future. There are so many different options out there, and the more you learn about them, the easier it will be to make informed decisions about your future.
Don't be afraid to start exploring EARLY.
Career Development in Elementary School
Introducing Elementary Students to the World of Work
Community Helpers
Doctors, nurses, firefighters, teachers, and police officers work together to keep our communities safe, healthy, and thriving every single day.
Scientists & Innovators
Scientists, engineers, and researchers explore our world and universe, making amazing discoveries from microscopic cells to distant galaxies.
Builders & Creators
Architects, engineers, construction workers, and designers shape our world by building homes, bridges, schools, and amazing structures.
Artists & Performers
Musicians, artists, writers, actors, and designers use their creativity and imagination to make our world more beautiful, entertaining, and inspiring.
Interactive Websites to Enhance Your Skills
Explore these amazing online resources to learn about careers!
NASA Climate Kids
Explore climate science careers with NASA games and activities
PBS Kids Learning
Educational games and videos about community helpers and careers
Delaware Career Resources
Career exploration tools and activities for Delaware students
KnowItAll Educational Media
Watch kids explore real careers and jobs in their communities
Natural History Museum
Museum of Natural History's science careers and activities
VAView Career Explorer
Interactive career planning and exploration platform
Puzzle Huddle
Brain games and puzzles to develop problem-solving skills
Texas Farm Bureau
Learn about agriculture careers and farming in Texas
Discover Your Passions with Interest Inventories
Find out what careers match your interests and strengths!
Primary Interest Inventory
Perfect for K-2nd grade students to discover their favorite activities and interests
📋 Take Primary Interest InventoryElementary Interest Inventory
Designed for 3rd-5th grade students to explore career interests in more depth
📊 Take InventorySkills Every Student Can Practice
These important skills help in every career!
Communication
Sharing ideas, listening to others, and expressing yourself clearly helps in every job. Practice by telling stories and asking questions!
Problem Solving
Figuring out solutions and trying new approaches. Puzzles, building blocks, and games help build this skill!
Teamwork
Working well with others and being a good friend. Team sports, group projects, and helping at home all build teamwork!
Responsibility
Doing your best work and keeping your promises. Chores, homework, and caring for pets help you practice being responsible!
Family Conversation & Activities
Start career conversations at home with these helpful guides!
Conversation Starters
- ✓ "What did you learn today that surprised you?"
- ✓ "If you could have any job for one day, what would it be?"
- ✓ "What are you really good at? What do you want to get better at?"
- ✓ "Who helps our community that you'd like to learn more about?"
At-Home Activities
- ✓ Career Show & Tell: Share about your own job and what you do each day
- ✓ Community Walk: Point out different workers you see and discuss their jobs
- ✓ Role Play: Let kids "try on" different careers through play
- ✓ Dream Board: Create a collage of careers and interests together
Remember, Young Dreamers!
There's no rush to decide what you want to be when you grow up. The most important thing is to:
Stay Curious
Ask lots of questions!
Keep Learning
Every lesson matters!
Be Kind
Help others along the way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Elementary Career Exploration
When should students start exploring careers?
Career exploration can begin as early as kindergarten through conversations about community helpers, jobs family members have, and interests students develop. Elementary career exploration focuses on building awareness of different occupations and developing foundational skills rather than making career decisions.
What are the best ways to introduce careers to young children?
Use age-appropriate activities like career-themed books, educational websites with interactive games, interest inventories, hands-on projects, field trips or virtual tours, guest speakers from various professions, and role-play activities. Focus on making career exploration fun and engaging rather than pressuring students to choose a specific path.
How do interest inventories help elementary students?
Interest inventories help students identify their strengths, preferences, and natural inclinations through simple questions about activities they enjoy. These assessments provide starting points for career conversations and help students recognize that their interests connect to real-world careers.
What skills should elementary students focus on for future careers?
Elementary students should develop foundational skills including effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking, responsibility and work ethic, creativity and innovation, and basic digital literacy. These transferable skills apply to all career paths.
How can parents support career exploration at home?
Parents can have regular conversations about different jobs, share information about their own careers, read career-themed books together, visit workplaces or arrange informational interviews, encourage exploration of diverse interests, and use everyday situations to discuss how different careers contribute to the community.
Activity Resources for Elementary Students
