Second Grade Community

So I'm not one to toot my own horn, oh, who am I kidding. Mindy's not one to toot her horn. Okay, that one's true and so that's why I'll do it for her.

Mindy has started a mini economy in her class. Although she'll down play it, I think it's cool and important for these kids to learn!

So she teaches in the fifth largest trailer park community in the country, at least that's the stat I've heard. She had the kids "apply" for jobs, were given a job or two each, they perform their jobs, they get paid with Diaz Dollars (bills that contain Mindy's face on George Washington's head) every two weeks, they pay taxes for renting their desks and other classroom costs, and then they can buy stuff with what they've earned. Soon, she will start teaching them on depositing this money in an account and keeping track of their earnings and savings.

It may sound basic but this isn't taught in schools. In fact, it won't be until December 2009 when House Bill 1168 is signed that financial literacy is required to be taught in Colorado classrooms. However, it goes without saying that it is important that they are learning this.

What makes it funny is that the kids are excited to do their jobs (cleaning desks, meteorologist, tax collector, courtesy director, horticular specialist, conservationist--glorified recycler, and many, many more). I mean, these kids ask Mindy when they can do their jobs so they can get paid every other Friday and pay their taxes. What they don't know is that they are making her day easier by doing remedial jobs in the classroom and are learning at the same time.

I can't wait to see where she goes with this! They can soon purchase stuff with their money, perhaps electing a government, and other community needs. Especially from their area where over 90% of the school are on free or reduced lunch, we can't overlook the importance of teaching them how important it is to work, get paid, pay taxes, and manage money. That's life.