for Life Lessons

Minnesota ABE Supplemental Services, Linda Strand, 2004-2005

And the Minnesota Literacy Council

Focus: Social Security Numbers (Reading for Life volume 1, unit 6: Jobs)

Objectives: Learners will be able to recognize Social Security numbers and distinguish them from other personal information numbers

Key Vocabulary: Social Security, dash

Topics to Review: writing and reading the numbers 1-10, how to write addresses and phone numbers

Procedure:

Real-life application:

Ask learners about important numbers (phone, street address, zip code, social security). Go through each.

Use a page, such as Longman ESL Literacy page 87 or Real Life English 1 page 5 that has a variety of cards with identification on it including Social Security. Have students identify the Social Security Card.

T asks: “How many numbers are in Social Security Number? Is it always 9? Where do the dashes go? How many numbers before the first dash? After the first dash? Before the second dash? After the second dash?”

T asks: “Why is the SSN important? Should you carry your card with you? What should you do instead of carrying it with you? Who might ask for your SSN?” Make a list of these people on the board. “Who might ask you for it but doesn’t need it?” List these people on the board.

Progress to Reading for Life, v.1 competency worksheets: Applicable worksheets: RFL v.1, unit 6

Progress to multiple-choice format activities: Some to be created by MLC – coming soon

Extensions:

• See Daily Living Activities on pages 83-86 in Reading for Life v.1.
• If you have access to a computer lab, have students visit the Social Security Administration website at: http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.  You can give them assignments, like finding the location of the local Social Security Office, finding out what to do if your card gets stolen, if you change your name, or if you are not a citizen and want to obtain a SS#. 
• Download a copy of the application for a new card at the site above and have students scan for information.