Fiscal responsibility for fourth and fifth graders : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Paul, Erika J.
Advisor
Stevenson, Christa
Issue Date
2010
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The climate of education right now in the United States is all about teaching based on a set of standards. These standards generally reflect what appears on standardized tests issued by the government. This creates the problem of teachers teaching "to the test" so that their students will get the highest scores possible. Unfortunately, standardized tests usually only cover a limited number of topics and focus on Math and English. Social Studies and Science also have teaching standards, but where does that leave life skills such as fiscal responsibility? The purpose of this unit plan is to provide teachers with some ideas about ways that teaching fiscal responsibility can be integrated with the standards. It is important that fiscal responsibility be instilled at an early age so that students understand how to budget and spend their money wisely. Fourth and fifth grade students may not have much money now, but they will get their first job in just a few years. Much of the financial crisis that has occurred during the past few years has been due to people spending beyond their means and not knowing how to spend wisely. It is my hope that teaching students fiscal responsibility at a young age will help prevent such a large number of people from making these and similar mistakes again.