Jennifer+Bates

This is the first lesson in my unit plan. I plan on teaching a social studies unit that covers economics. I feel that it is very important for students to understand economics and the value of a dollar. My students will be posed the the problem of paying the bills for a month and making a plan for how they will do that. This first lesson makes sure they understand the differeance between a bartering system and a money system.

Click here to see lesson #1.

I love this lesson! I think that this is something that would be relevant to the students because we have quite a few whose families struggle with paying the bills each month. Having the students realize what this is like might help them understand what their parents go through each month. I think that they will not only be learning the 3rd grade content, but life skills as well. This is something that will definitely prepare them for the future. I think that they will be interested in this lesson and also enjoy learning the material. You could also add another element to this by letting them choose a job. They could research how much they would make in a month by performing this job, and then carry out your lesson as you have planned. They could see how far their money will go depending on the job they have. I think it would be interesting to see what jobs they would choose and how they react when they see how far their money will actually go. Good job! -Lindsay Lindsay, Thanks for the job idea, I think that would fit in perfect. -Jennifer
 * Jennifer,

Jennifer,

Jennifer, I think you have a very valuable and creative lesson. In addition, I like how prepared you are with a couple of different backup plans. Your lesson teaches your 3rd grade students life skills that are important to learn at any age. I feel you have allotted plenty of time to complete each of your tasks. My question to you is why do have to move the students to a new group if they are not getting along? I understand that there are some situations that are volatile; however letting the students work through their problems can be very rewarding too. -Cortney Cortney, I have in the past, had students that struggled so much in certain groups they ruined it for everyone. I am all for students working it out, but if it is taking more time to settle arguements and making students communicate, I am going to rearrange groups depending on the situation. Thanks for your input. -Jennifer