16 July 2012

EconoMoney: A Booming Economy All Year Long

Money! Money! Money!!!! I am so excited to be implementing a classroom economy to teach my kids some of life’s most important concepts and skills. Along with Common Core, one of the biggies this year in my district is building 21st century students and future leaders through project based learning (hellloooo….classroom economy!) :) As we strive to create 21st century thinkers, problem solvers, and learners, it is essential that we bring real world concepts directly into the hands of our students. A classroom economy is one of the best hands-on approaches that actively involves students in learning some of life’s most important skills. Not to mention, they will be eating right out of my hands when they learn that their income (which will allow them to purchase goods)depends on their work ethic in the classroom! :) LOVE IT!

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We created an economy in second grade and let me just say…they ate it up! Every. Last. Bite!

Kids

This economy will run like a basic classroom economy! That is, until I throw a few little twists and turns into the mix. You know…taxes, endorsements, inflation…. They will never know what hit ‘em! ;) Usually, the things that take your students by surprise are the things that they remember most!

ID

(The students will be issued ID cards to use at the Bank and the EconoMoney Superstore!)

So, set the candy and small treats aside {those are great too!} and let students earn their rewards while learning to save up for things they really want! This unit can be adapted to meet the needs of any grade level and it is never too early to start. Whether you are focusing on money concepts in first {I know this is no longer part of CC, but will be a great way to include money skills…which they need}, a thriving economy in second, or economic principles in 3-5th, your students are sure to learn skills that they will carry with them for years to come!

Check

(Students will learn how to write a check!)

This 144 page unit includes 17 lesson plans that will keep your students on their toes as they learn about currency, salaries, taxes, price inflation, supply and demand, and much…much more! EconoMoney heavily integrates writing, social studies, math, reading, and technology and also includes journal prompts to extend each lesson and allow students to reflect on the concepts that they have learned through higher order thinking and personal connections!

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Included in this file is everything you need to setup your economy including your classroom job display.

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Now for the best part! I have uploaded two different files to TPT so that you can design your very own classroom EconoMoney!

You can click here to download the regular PDF file!

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Or…

You can click here to purchase a customizable file (PowerPoint)!

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Yes…I said it…customizable! Check. It. Out!

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I can’t wait to get this up and running in the classroom! I believe that this economy will provide some of the most authentic learning experiences for my kiddos, truly preparing them for their future…a bright one at that!

  Happy Monday, friends! Hope you have an extremely blessed week…only a few more without our little loves!

16 comments:

  1. Wow this looks amazing! I love that you made it customizable!! Hello Common Core Economics- I will be sharing this one for sure.

    ❤ -Stephanie
    Falling Into First

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  2. EXCELLENT JOB! I love that many grades can use these materials; they are multi-grade/levels! What program did you use to design your packet matierals! I can definitely see this meeting many of my 2nd Grade Standards! THANKS AGAIN! Please check out my Blog if you haven't done so already! SMILES!

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  3. Fantastic! This is an amazing resource. My kiddos would love it!

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  4. I am SO excited to add this to my little bag of tricks! Love the play on words! I'm a sucker for puns. :)

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  5. This is a great resource for a classroom economy! Thanks for offering it!
    Erin
    http://adventuresinthirdgrade-brown.blogspot.com/

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  6. Oh my goodness, you seriously come up with some wonderful ideas! This is such a terrific way to teach economics & money in a fun way. It looks GREAT!
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

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  7. Loving it! And that you used my clip art. =) HAHA Also, I really would like some of those checks! How cute! We always do check writing with writing numbers. They love it!

    Ginger Snaps

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  8. What a great idea! You never cease to amaze me!
    Amy
    Where Seconds Count

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  9. Love this! It reminds me of the classroom economy from "Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire" by Rafe Esquith. Ever since I read that book, I have wanted to set up a classroom economy system and now you've made it easy for me! It's on my Wishlist :)

    Jamie at 2nd Grade Stuff

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  10. It's really great, these stuff really works for the kids, and they really enjoyed it. :) Thanks for the idea. :) I'll be glad to come back for more.
    _______________
    Ashley | Olympics 2012 London

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  11. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!I am in graduate school and will be starting my last year next month. I start student teaching in January and love seeing all your great ideas. I will definitely be making a few purchases from your TPT store very soon! Thanks for being so open and creative in all your blogs!

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  12. Can't wait to try this! Love your blog! I'm your newest follower. :)

    Come check out my blog!
    Nesli
    http://www.secondgradewiththeteacherwearsprada.blogspot.com/

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  13. I've always wanted to use this in my classroom, but I teach 5th. Are your lesson plans too simplet for 5th? And do you think they would still love it at that age? I need some sort of incentive/motivational system in my classroom.

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  14. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

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  15. I'm new to second grade this year, and I'm loving your ideas. What time of year do you plan on introducing this?

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  16. Davy (my hubby) is going to be sooo happy that you used his bubble borders for this!! He loves seeing people use his clip art!!

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