Career and educational professionals can use apps, virtual and in-class games to introduce younger kids and high school students with career exploration. Just in time for back to school, here are eight interactive activities that offer an engaging and meaningful experience.
Career Day: A Board Game for Career Education and Exploration! (Counselor Keri) [Board Game]
In this game, students learn about different careers and workplaces while travelling around the world. It is ideal for a small group or classroom guidance lessons with multiple boards.
Career SUPERDRIVE™ (My Working Title) [Board game]
Useful for career guidance for students and career conversations with employees. The Student Edition questions are designed in the context of school-related scenarios. The Starter Kit has two board game sets and one basic facilitation guide.
Challenge Cards (Sparkpath) [Card activity]
The Challenge Cards are a career development tool that academic advisors, guidance counsellors and teachers can use to prepare students for the future of work. This deck of 30 cards aims to helps students explore challenges, problems and opportunities that exist in the world in the areas of health, technology, society, environment and the economy.
Claim Your Future (Finance Authority of Maine) [Game]
While based in the U.S. and sometimes played in classrooms, Canadian players can try the website version. The game encourages students to explore career paths in the context of financial literacy. It encourages middle and high school students to think about future returns on investment of post-secondary education and training.
Kids Learn Professions (Kideo) [App]
This app is geared towards younger kids. It aims to help them learn about jobs and occupations and the tools they use. Activities include helping the farmer, fishing game, cooking, making pizza, making ice cream, building a railway, colouring, and has a memory cards section.
When I Grow Up (Elementary Careers) [Card game]
A memory matching game where players learn about career education without gender and racial bias. Each card has fruits and vegetables at work. Decks are available for Kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2.
When I Grow Up (Workforce Solutions) [Class activity]
This classroom activity was designed for high school students. It enables students to consider their career options through research and educational and lifestyle decisions they plan to make. Each lesson integrates employability skills needed for workplace success.
The Who Am I? Self Assessment Game (York University) [Board game]
Originally developed for post-secondary students and alumni, this game was refreshed so high school and training and development professionals can use it in counselling sessions. It is played in groups of four to five people.
Additional reading
- 9 activities to help children understand careers (Education Services Australia)
- 5 podcasts to help kids start learning about careers (CareerWise)
- 5 ways to talk with young children about work and careers (CareerWise)
- Games for Teaching About Careers (Classroom)
- These New Apps And Their Creators Are Changing The Game On Career Pathways For America’s Youth (Forbes)
- Tools and resources for career exploration with elementary students (CareerWise)
