Using Children's Literature to Teach Economics
and Personal Finance
For Teachers Grades K-8

July 21-25, 2008
University of Minnesota, St. Paul

Half of registrations in this class are reserved for teachers in high-need districts, as required by the funder.

This week-long class is designed for teachers who wish to acquire more skills and knowledge of basic economic and personal finance concepts, and to integrate them into the classroom by using children's literature. The lessons demonstrated will be useful for elementary and middle school level teachers. Concepts will be presented using lessons relevant to the achievement of state academic standards in economics.

Two follow-up Saturday sessions will be part of the class. These sessions will include effective reading instruction and support, as well as opportunities for each participant to share results from classroom implementation. Participants will be required to develop a learning activity that incorporates economic concepts within a learning activity that involves reading.

There is a $50 refundable deposit required to register for this two-credit graduate class. Participants will receive curriculum materials, including Economics for the Elementary Classroom. The course meets 8:00 - 4:00 daily. Lunch is provided. The free credits from the University of Minnesota will be granted upon completion of course requirements.

A $100 stipend will be paid for the week-long course, plus $20 for each follow-up Saturday during the academic year. Twelve travel stipends of $215 are available for those living outside the 7-county metropolitan area with $35 travel stipends for each follow-up Saturday session. Class enrollment is limited to 40.

This project is funded by the Federal Improving Teacher Quality Program of the No Child Left Behind Act administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.