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2010 - 2011 Reading is an Investment

The Value of Money and Personal Choice

It's not just dollars and cents. The books featured in the 2010 program will present the opportunity to engage students in discussions and activities that explore the personal value of money and the choices such values represent. For example, in One Hen Kojo must balance the immediate need for food with saving for future goals, such as paying fees and purchasing a uniform so he can return to school. In Money Madness, the concept of bartering is introduced. Children must consider the question of what has value and how they can obtain the things they need without money. In Follow the Money, students can evaluate the many choices people make with their money as George the quarter travels through his community on a purchase-by-purchase basis. In support of the theme "The Value of Money & Personal Choice," the activities and lesson plans included in this curriculum guide will highlight:

  • Monetary Value of Coins and Dollars
  • Goal Setting
  • Wants vs. Needs
  • Making Wise Spending Decisions
  • Basic Budgeting

Librarian Activities

Specific activities are provided for each book for use by school librarians during their scheduled time with students. Individual activities are planned to take no longer than 30-40 minutes to complete.

Money Madness Activity
Follow the Money Activity
One Hen Activity
Program Introduction

Teacher Lesson Plans

Lesson plans are divided by the following grade levels: (1) Kindergarten; (2) 1st & 2nd grades; (3) 3rd & 4th grades; and (4) 5th & 6th grades. There is one lesson plan for each grade level, based on the book that is most targeted toward each individual age group. A complete curriculum guide was sent to the school librarian at each participating school. Each school must develop their own policy regarding the circulation of the three books to teachers for classroom instruction.

Glossary
Kindergarten Lesson - Money Madness by David Adler
     Instructional PowerPoint Slides
1st-2nd Grade Lesson - Follow the Money! by Loreen Leedy
     Instructional PowerPoint Slides
3rd-4th Grade Lesson - One Hen by Katie Smith Milway
     Instructional Value Pictures
     Instructional PowerPoint Slides
5th-6th Grade Lesson - One Hen by Katie Smith Milway
     Instructional PowerPoint Slides