Town Simulation Successful Learning Experience
Launch the media gallery 1 player“Kids don’t really understand the value of a dollar. Well, at least I didn’t. Not until the financial course in Mrs. Jacobsen’s class did I really, really understand.” stated Caiti Ziegebien. “One of the most common quotes heard during class has been “Wow, I feel sorry for my parents!” At times this was a stressful activity!
The 8th grade Introduction to FCS class has been learning about finances. When we were told we were going to form a town, have jobs, and get paychecks, we were all thinking, “Oh this is going to be a piece of cake. This is going to be FUN!!” As it turns out, I think we were a little naïve and underestimated what Mrs. Jacobsen had in mind for us.
During this financial course we first had to apply for jobs, which meant we had to learn how to correctly complete job applications. Everyone ended up with specific jobs; for example, we had a banker, car salesman, car insurance, doctor, fireman, police, electric company, newspaper, etc. We also needed to learn how to correctly write out checks (and there were a LOT), record items in our checkbook registers, and reconcile our bank accounts.
After the first paycheck, we were all excited and then we discovered all the bills we had to pay. After we had purchased our cars and either bought or rented a house we then realized we also had to purchase car insurance, home/renter’s insurance, and health insurance! And the bills didn’t stop there. We also had to pay for groceries and electricity. We were stressed out! Later we found out Mrs. Jacobsen could’ve added in the telephone bill, gas for the car, and numerous other bills. Thankfully she didn’t do that.
As Mrs. Jacobsen had us also draw for “crisis events”, we quickly learned that every decision effects the other financial decisions we had to make. We tried to keep a balanced budget, but it was hard when we had “surprise” expenses. Several students had to take out loans each week due to the crisis event that was drawn.
At the conclusion of Town Simulation Week 3 all students agreed, “We don’t want to grow up; we want to stay kids”…mainly because paying bills can be just a big headache!