Finance, Money, Investing and Economics Middle School-Adulting 101 Life Skills!
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Additional assignments and simulation programs are available to students for a more comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed in class.Assessment
Assessment via simulation programs are available to students for a more comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed in class.Class Experience
Financial choice and Consequences - All in one package!!! Finances , earning, saving, investing while navigating through adult life scenarios in this interactive course. Financial literacy is the ability to understand how to manage and invest money. In this ongoing class students participate is an interactive online virtual bank and investment simulation program that will immerse them in all things related to money. This Financial Literacy class creates an immersive experience for students to learn everything related to personal finance like savings, budgeting, paying bills, earning an income, investing and more. Students learn to navigate the ins and outs of personal finance and experience real world financial situations in a safe space, a classroom. Students experience real world money situations and navigate the ins and outs of everything related to personal finance like saving, budgeting, paying bills, earning income, investing and more. We live in a complicated financial system that is full of financial opportunity as well as financial traps, scams, and daily temptations to spend money. Students will experience actual financial situations with hands-on activities to learn how to manage virtual checking, savings and credit card accounts, invest, pay bills on time and spend wisely. Most adults, including myself, wish they had learned about managing their money in school and this program aims to do that. I'm so excited to add this interactive transformational tool to the classroom and have us all reap the benefits of a more financially literate future for our students. FINANCIAL LITERACY UNITS Unit 1: Unit Introduction - Budgeting, Saving, and Spending Unit 2: Introduction to Investing Unit 3: Credit Cards and Debt Unit 4: Employment and Income Unit 5: Financial Risks and Insurance Supplement Topic: Starting your Own Business Supplement Topic: Bankrutpcy C L A S S S T R U C T U R E Welcome to Class (5 minutes) Weekly Financial Report (5 minutes) Weekly Class Topic (20minutes) Financial Lab Simulation (15 minutes) 🌟S T A R T I N G S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4🌟 🚩 2024 - 2025 F U L L Y E A R C O U R S E T O P I C S S C H E D U L E 🚩 Topics rotate but students may join at anytime. G E T T I N G S T A R T E D (New enrolled students should complete these assignments in the simulation) Topic 1: Introduction of Budget Simulation - Budget Game Actions 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Budget Game Overview 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Credit Score Tutorial 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Net Worth 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Quality of Life 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Savings Goals 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Your Weekend Choice 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Study 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Transfer Money 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Earn More Money 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Household 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Socialize 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Credit Card Purchase 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Credit Card Payment 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Complete a Full Month Unit 1 - Budgeting and Spending Plans Week of September 1: Introduction to Budgeting Week of September 8: Budgeting Basics Week of September 15: No Class Week of September 22: Setting Financial Goals Week of September 29: Personal Finance Apps Week of October 1: Personal Finance Simulation Week of October 6: Creating a Simple Budget Week of October 13: Understanding Money Week of October 20: Understanding Coins and Bills Week of October 27: Income Sources Week of November 3: Financial Vocabulary Week of November 10: No Class Week of November 17: Basic Math Skills for Finance Week of November 24: Saving Money Week of December 1: Spending Wisely Week of December 8: Needs vs. Wants Week of December 15: Spending Plans Week of December 22: Savings Goals Week of December 29: Maintaining a Budget Week of January 5: Budget Adjustments Week of January 12: Tracking Expenses Week of January 19: Emergency Funds Week of January 26: Responsible Spending Week of February 2: Researching Purchases Week of February 9: Price Comparisons Week of February 16: Shopping Wisely Week of February 23: Understanding Discounts Week of March 1: Long-Term Savings Week of March 8: Simple Interest Week of March 15: Future Planning Week of March 22: Retirement Savings Week of March 29: Savings vs. Spending Week of April 5: Buying a Home Week of April 12: Understanding Mortgages Week of April 19: Community and Money Week of April 26: Money and Happiness Week of May 3: Financial Responsibility Unit 2: Investing Week of May 10: Introduction to Investing Week of May 17: Understanding Financial Risks Week of May 24: Financial Planning Week of May 31: Investment Goals Week of June 7: Investing Overview Week of June 14: How the Stock Market Works Week of June 21: Introduction to Stocks Week of June 28: Understanding Stock Quotes Week of July 5: Stock Market Terms Week of July 12: Stock Market Games Week of July 19: Researching Stocks Week of July 26: Company Research Week of August 2: Financial News Week of August 9: Using Financial Reports Week of August 16: Evaluating Investment Strategies Week of August 23: Types of Securities Week of August 30: Mutual Funds Week of September 6: Bonds Week of September 13: ETFs Week of September 20: Real Estate Investments Week of September 27: Managing a Portfolio Week of October 4: Diversification Week of October 11: Risk Management Week of October 18: Portfolio Review Week of October 25: Investment Tools Week of November 1: Business Cycle Week of November 8: Economic Indicators Week of November 15: Impact on Investments Week of November 22: Market Trends Week of November 29: Economic Forecasting Week of December 6: Investment Overview Week of December 13: Investment Strategies Week of December 20: Financial Goals Week of December 27: Introduction to Wealth Building Week of January 3: Ethical Investing Week of January 10: Investment Supplements Week of January 17: Financial Literacy Games Week of January 24: Libraries and Finance Week of January 31: Online Financial Courses Unit 3: Credit Cards and Debt Week of February 7: Introduction to Credit Week of February 14: Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards Week of February 21: Credit Reports Week of February 28: Credit Scores Week of March 7: Building Credit Week of March 14: Buying a Car Week of March 21: Car Loans Week of March 28: Loan Terms Week of April 4: Comparing Car Prices Week of April 11: Budgeting for a Car Week of April 18: Types of Loans Week of April 25: Loan Application Process Week of May 2: Interest Rates Week of May 9: Repayment Plans Week of May 16: Loan Management Week of May 23: Using Credit Cards Week of May 30: Credit Card Fees Week of June 6: Credit Card Rewards Week of June 13: Credit Report Monitoring Week of June 20: Credit Card Applications Week of June 27: Managing Debt Week of July 4: Debt Consolidation Week of July 11: Debt Payment Plans Week of July 18: Debt and Mental Health Week of July 25: Avoiding Debt Traps Unit 4: Employment and Income Week of August 1: Career Planning Week of August 8: Income Types Week of August 15: Employment Rights Week of August 22: Job Opportunities Week of August 29: Earning Money Week of September 5: Using a Bank Week of September 12: Opening a Savings Account Week of September 19: Bank Statements Week of September 26: Understanding Bank Fees Week of October 3: Online Banking Week of October 10: Introduction to Taxes Week of October 17: Income Tax Week of October 24: Tax Deductions Week of October 31: Filing Taxes Week of November 7: No Class Week of November 14: Tax Refunds Week of November 21: Starting a Career Week of November 28: Job Applications Week of December 5: Resume Writing Week of December 12: Job Interviews Week of December 19: Career Advancement Week of December 26: Building Wealth Week of January 2: Financial Independence Week of January 9: Wealth Management Week of January 16: Charitable Giving Week of January 23: Family Budgeting Week of January 30: Income and Expenses Week of February 6: Financial Responsibility Week of February 13: Impulse Buying Week of February 20: Money and Relationships Unit 5: Financial Risks and Insurance Week of February 27: Introduction to Insurance Week of March 6: Health Insurance Week of March 13: Life Insurance Week of March 20: Property Insurance Week of March 27: Insurance Terms Week of April 3: Liability Insurance Week of April 10: Auto Insurance Week of April 17: Homeowners Insurance Week of April 24: Renters Insurance Week of May 1: Insurance Claims Week of May 8: Health Insurance Plans Week of May 15: Life Insurance Policies Week of May 22: Disability Insurance Week of May 29: Long-Term Care Insurance Week of June 5: Beneficiaries Week of June 12: Financial Decision Making Week of June 19: Avoiding Scams Week of June 26: Financial Ethics Week of July 3: Protecting Personal Information Week of July 10: Financial Safety Nets Week of July 17: Financial Records Week of July 24: Budgeting Tools Week of July 31: Financial Apps Week of August 7: Document Organization Week of August 14: Digital Record Keeping Week of August 21: Post-Graduation Finances Week of August 28: First Job Finances U N I T C O U R S E D E S C R I P I T I O N UNIT 1: Budgeting and Spending Plans In this lesson we will be learning about both budgets and spending plans. We will be able to tell what the different parts of each are and when to use either. We will be looking at other peoples’ budgets and saving plans to evaluate how to create one. We will leave with the tools and the skills to create our own personal budget and spending plan. By the end of the unit, students should be able to... • Define budget and spending plan • Identify parts of a budget and spending plan • Create a personal and family budget • Allocate funds into different sub categories UNIT 2: Investing In this lesson we will be learning about the basics of investing. We will learn about different types of investments such as stocks, mutual funds and bonds. We will assess the different risks that come with each type of investment and determine when it is a good idea to invest. We will learn the importance of researching companies and investing based on what we know. We will learn how to identify our financial goals and how to create an investment portfolio that works toward them. Students will progress through Assignments and Assessments as part of the PersonalFinanceLab curriculum library, and begin building their portfolio in the PersonalFinanceLab Stock Game. Students will continue to progress through the PersonalFinanceLab Budgeting Game. By the end of the lesson, students will: ● Understand the basics of how to grow their wealth ● Identify various scams ● Understand the importance of not falling victim to a scam ● Protect themselves from financial scams UNIT 3: Credit Cards and Debt In this lesson we will learn about the basics of what a credit card is and the different responsibilities that come with owning a credit card. We will learn about what both a credit report and credit score are and the impact they have on someone's finances. We will be able to define key terms such as credit score and credit report. We will be able to determine different events that either improve or harm someone's credit. We will understand the purpose of a credit card and the responsibilities that come with owning a credit card. By the end of the lesson, students will: ● Define key terms such as credit score and credit report. ● Determine different events that either improve or harm someone's credit. ● Understand the purpose of a credit card. ● Understand the responsibilities that come with owning a credit card. ● Be able to implicitly and explicitly think about situations that will either improve or harm their credit and explain why. UNIT 4: Employment and Income In this lesson we will be learning about both income, compensation and employment. We will learn about the difference between direct and indirect compensation. We will have a basic understanding of income tax and the different ways of filing their taxes. We will learn some best practices for starting their career. We will learn about the importance of saving for retirement. By the end of the lesson, students will: ● Define different types of income ● Understand consumer and employment rights and responsibilities ● Understand debit cards and bank accounts ● Have a basic understanding of income tax ● Know how to develop a career plan that supports their long-term financial goals UNIT 5: Financial Risks and Insurance In this lesson we will be learning about financial decision making. ● We will learn how to protect ourselves against fraud and financial scams. ● We will learn the importance of mitigating financial risks. ● We will be able to identify common types of risks and basic risk management methods. ● We will learn the basics of insurance. By the end of the lesson, students will: ● Understand the concept of opportunity cost when making financial decisions ● Understand the financial risks of investing their money ● Understand the importance of insurance to mitigate risk Bankruptcy If you are severely behind on your bills and all other debt management plans have failed, the last option available is declaring bankruptcy. Starting a Business Building the next “big thing”. Being your own boss. Getting the full rewards for your work. There are a lot of reasons to start a business, but taking the plunge is a step entrepreneurs have to face if they plan on striking out on their own NOTE TO PARENTS: This is an interactive classroom, with guidance from teacher. Students will have the opportunity to interact, socialize while learning to becoming financial responsible with their choices. Topic schedule is subject to change, awaiting Outschool's update lesson plan to the platform. Students will each start the simulation as a part-time employee, goiong to college full-time. Then the students will have to pay bills, like adults do in real life. With your left over money, you can purchase experiences or items. This class is highly interactive simulating real life as adults making financial decisions. Students will learn they are free to choose what to with the money they earn but not free from the consequences of their choice, whether it is positive or negative result. How is your class structured? My class is structure to be a stress free, fun, and interactive learning environment to accommodate different learning styles and abilities. How will you teach? I will teach using slide presentation, interactive games and discussion for question and answer sessions. This is a student led hands on interactive class. What's your teaching style? I believe that every child learns differently. I do my best to accommodate individual learning styles. How much will learners get to interact with you and each other (mention specifics like: lecture, games, slides, video clips, discussion)? This class is highly interactive simulating real life as adults making financial decisions. Students will learn they are free to choose what to with the money they earn but not free from the consequences of their choice, whether it is positive or negative result. I teach with lecture format, visual aids and hands on activity. I will be available for questions and feedback through the classroom and direct messages. Any required experience or knowledge learners need? No prior knowledge is needed.
Learning Goals
Students will experience actual financial situations with hands-on activities to learn how to manage virtual checking, savings and credit card accounts, invest, pay bills on time and spend wisely. Most adults, including myself, wish they had learned about managing their money in school and this program aims to do that. I'm so excited to add this interactive transformational tool to the classroom and have us all reap the benefits of a more financially literate future for our students.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class uses Personal Finance Lab and Nearpod. Students will receive a code to join the teachers class for various interactive activities prior to the lesson.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from Arkansas State University
Master's Degree in Education from Arkansas State University
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Arkansas State University
Apples2Zippers Learning Academy teachers are licensed and certified instructors with over 30 years of combined experience in the classroom. 🔗 https://outschool.com/teachers/apples2zippers?usid=22phBPHs&signup=true&authTrigger=follow_teacher&utm_campaign=share_leader_link
🍎 Mrs. Adamson - Hello, my name is Mrs. Adamson, I am the owner and founder of Apples2Zippers Learning Academy organization on Outschool. I have been teaching for 20 years. I am a state certified and licensed teacher PreK - 12th grade. I am licensed and certified educator in Business Technology & Business Education, Special Education Instructional Specialist, Family & Consumer Sciences, and a graduate of the Career and Technical Education Leadership Academy and ESL Instructor and certifications in TEFL/TESL/TESOL. I am also an entrepreneur, small business owner, travel agent, W!SE Financial Literacy Instructor, Serv-Safe Instructor, and I hold a Master's Degree in Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Radiology Health Management. I am an advocate of Career and Technical Education (CTE), life skill classes that are designed to provide students the knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 290 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
1-10 learners per class