Unit 9: Telephone Skills

Lesson 1: Finding Phone Numbers

OBJECTIVES

1. Identify at least five numbers in a local phone book.

2. Identify numbers for Directory Assistance or where the numbers can be found.

MATERIALS NEEDED
telephone books – try to have one book for every two students

access to at least one telephone

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
Telephone Usage Program – A $7.30 training manual from the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Materials (1800 223-5219).

Janus Life Skills: Using the Telephone – A $7.95 workbook by Globe Fearon (1800 848-9500).

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
This lesson will provide training on how to find phone numbers. Students should have basic reading and number identification skills prior to this training. In addition to looking up numbers in a phone book, students should practice calling Information to find phone numbers

1. Review parts of the phone book(s). Most phone books are designed similarly. White pages contain phone numbers of residential customers. Blue pages contain phone numbers of government agencies such as the courthouse, county clerk, and department of health. The yellow pages contain phone numbers of places of business. In the front of phone books, users can find information about phone company services, making long-distance calls, and directory and operator services. It is suggested that trainers review the local phone book(s) prior to class and decide what is important to point out beyond the white, blue and yellow pages.
   
   

2. Review how to find numbers. Residential listings are arranged in alphabetical order. Government listings are arranged by city, county, state, and federal government agencies that are located in the area. Numbers are then arranged alphabetically. Business listings are arranged by categories and then alphabetically. The categories of business are also arranged alphabetically. For example listings of attorneys would come before listings of physicians, which would come before sporting goods stores. Ask the students to indicate a phone number they would like to know. Demonstrate how to find the number. Do this about three to five times.
   
   

3. Pair up students and pass a phone book to each pair. Trainers should pick out five residential listings, three government listings, and five business listings. Have the students find each listing. Provide assistance as necessary.
   
   

4. Instruct students that not all numbers can be found in the phone book. Sometimes people need to call Directory Assistance to obtain the number. The number for local numbers, no matter where a person lives, is 1+411. If a person needs a phone number that is long distance, the number to call is 1+(area code)+555-1212. Point out to students that using this service will cost them money. The charges will show up on their phone bill.
   
   

5. If the rehabilitation program is willing to incur the costs of students making local directory assistance calls, have the students practice asking for a phone number. Have the students pick out their favorite restaurant, and have them call 1+411 to get the phone number. Students may need to know the address of the restaurant.

SIGNS OF GENERALIZATION
Students are able to find phone numbers on their own. Trainers may periodically test the students by asking them to find a phone number for them in the context of a work setting.

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