Real Money Real World simulation held at Career Center
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With the help of many community volunteers who staffed 14 business booths, juniors at the Washington County Career Center recently participated in a Real Money Real World simulation. Students chose a career for the simulation based upon their current area of study at WCCC. They also spent their monthly salary visiting the various booths making spending choices based on their family situation hoping they would have enough money to make ends meet at the end of the month.
The program includes four classroom lessons to prepare students to assume the role of a 27-year-old adult who is the primary income provider for a family. Students learned to subtract savings, taxes, and other deductions from their monthly income. The amount of money left over is what they spent during the simulation activity.
Students spent their money at booths staffed by community volunteers on items typically found in a monthly budget including housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, childcare, and transportation. Throughout the activity, students kept track of their finances and attempted to complete the simulation with a positive balance.
The program is a product of OSU Extension and was organized for the school by Bruce Zimmer, 4-H Extension Educator in collaboration with WCCC teachers Mrs. Webb and Mr. Ritzman.
During the post-simulation lesson, students reflected on their experience and what they learned by completing a self-assessment. The students thoroughly enjoyed their experience but were shocked at how hard it was to meet a monthly budget. Many had newfound respect for their parents and what they deal with on a daily basis. At the end of the experience, student comments included, "Kids are expensive," "The cost of living is expensive," "Credit can be good or bad," and "Things cost a lot more than expected."
Teachers can learn more about offering Real Money, Real World in their high school by contacting OSU Extension at 740-376-7431 or emailing Zimmer at zimmer.2@osu.edu