Future Ready Skills
What does it mean to have a growth mindset when learning a new skill?
What is one polite way to greet a teacher, supervisor, or coworker?
Polite greeting: “Good morning, Ms. ___” or “Hello, how are you?”
What is a job? Give one example of a job students might know.
Job example: teacher, cashier, nurse, bus driver.
What is a budget? Give one reason why making a budget can help someone.
Budget: plan for how to use money; helps avoid running out of money.
What is a bank? Name one service banks provide.
Bank: place to keep money; services: savings accounts, checking accounts, loans.
Name two digital skills that help students learn and work online.
Examples: typing, using email, word processing, online research, basic coding, or using presentation software.
What does it mean to be reliable at work or school? Give one example.
Reliable: being on time, finishing tasks; example: turning in work by the deadline.
What is a paycheck (or wage)? In simple terms, why do people get paid?
Paycheck/wage: money earned for work performed.
If you get $20 allowance and want to save half, how much will you save? Show your thinking.
20, save half → 10 saved.
What does it mean to save money in a bank account instead of keeping cash at home? Give one benefit.
Benefit of bank: safer, can earn interest, easier to track money.
Explain why communication and teamwork are important when working on a group project.
Why is taking responsibility for mistakes important in the workplace? Give a short example.
Responsibility: admit mistake, fix it, learn from it — builds trust. Example: if you submitted the wrong file, tell the teacher and resubmit.
Explain the difference between an hourly wage and a salary in one or two sentences.
Define “needs” versus “wants” and give one classroom-friendly example of each.
Needs vs wants: need = food (necessary), want = toy (nice to have).
What is interest in simple terms when saving money? (Describe briefly.)
interest when saving: extra money the bank gives you for keeping money there (a small percent).
Give an example of a problem-solving step you can use when a school project isn’t going as planned.
Problem-solving steps: identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, try one, check results. Example: ask for help, adjust timeline.
Explain how following directions and asking clarifying questions can prevent mistakes on a task.
Following directions + asking questions reduces errors and confusion.
What is a career, and how is it different from a single job?
Career: series of related jobs over time with growth; job: single position.
Explain what it means to set a short-term saving goal and give an example a 6th grader might have.
Short-term saving goal: save 30 for a game in 3 months; steps: set aside 10 per month.
What is borrowing money (a loan) and why should people be careful when borrowing?
Borrowing: getting money now and paying back later; be careful due to fees/interest and needing to repay.
Describe how time management and organization can help you prepare for a future job or class. Include one specific strategy you could use.
Time management/org answer: use a planner, set deadlines, prioritize tasks; strategy example: make a to-do list and block study time.
Describe how setting a personal goal for improvement at work or in class can help your future career. Include one measurable goal.
Goal example: improve punctuality by arriving 5 minutes early for class for one month.
Name two things someone should consider when choosing a career path (for example: interests, skills, education). Explain why each is important.
Consider interests and education/training; examples: enjoy working with animals → vet path; need training → college or trade school.
You have 45 and want to buy a book for 28 and a snack for 4. How much money will you have left after both purchases? Show your steps.
Start with total 45 − book 28 = 17; then 17 − snack 4 = 13 left.
Explain the difference between saving money and using credit. Include one risk of using credit without planning.
Saving vs credit: saving uses your own money; credit uses borrowed money that must be paid back. Risk: debt if you can’t repay.