In this unit of study, students demonstrate a familiarity with the school's layout and the jobs people do there. The unit has students discuss jobs in the community and match simple descriptions of the work with the names of related jobs and with the equipment required for the jobs. They also compare and contrast jobs of today with jobs of long ago, with a focus on fire fighters. Jobs other than those featured in the unit may be substituted depending upon the resources at the particular school and in the community. The unit has students begin by looking at themselves as "helping hands" who can perform simple jobs and act as responsible citizens. Through onsite field studies, students gather information about the jobs people do in a school and in a community, using selections from children's literature and other learning activities to help gain a clear understanding of the jobs. The unit provides a beginning understanding of future career choices. It gives focus questions, lists materials needed, and provides literacy links. It outlines the topic information in detail: "Beginning the Topic"; "Developing the Topic"; and "Culminating the Topic." The unit also contains assessment activities and extended and correlated activities. Lists 12 recommended resources, seven Internet sites, and extensive additional resources. Appended are ideas for class jobs, a letter to parents, and a job interview form. (BT)