Spending money is easy. \u00a0Ask any kid. \u00a0For most, the list of things they want is endless. \u00a0And spending money is not bad, it’s just important to spend it wisely. \u00a0That was the idea behind a lesson I did with a group of second graders. \u00a0But I didn’t tell them that. \u00a0I thought it would be more fun if I tempted them and let them figure it out.<\/p>\n
So I printed a whole bunch of stickers for items that kids would love to have. Having a friend who is a second grade teacher really helps. \u00a0She knows exactly what second graders are in to. \u00a0And amazon.com helps, too!<\/p>\n
Then I gave them a starting budget of $25. \u00a0That’s a lot of money for a second grader. In came the temptation. \u00a0I described each item for “sale” in a way that even I wanted to have it. \u00a0But I also made it clear that they didn’t have to buy anything if they didn’t want to.<\/p>\n
To keep it simple, there were certain parameters such as being able to only choose up to 2 items the first go-around. \u00a0Then, to give them a little extra money and underscore the idea of saving, I matched their balance at a particular point. \u00a0Those who didn’t spend much had more matching. \u00a0<\/p>\n
We went through two rounds of spending, the second one included new items. \u00a0Then I threw in the kicker. \u00a0I described paradise. \u00a0Water Wonderland. All day with your bestest buddies. \u00a012 slides. \u00a0Lunch under a waterfall. Swimming with dolphins. \u00a0Boat ride in the crystal caves. \u00a0You get the idea. And if you had the money, you could go. \u00a0All of a sudden some of those have-to-haves didn’t seem so important as about half the class couldn’t go to Water Wonderland.<\/p>\n