Hillsboro City Schools teachers Nancy Weiderman and Zachary Cowan partnered with OSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Educator Kathy Bruynis to present Real Money, Real World to 8th grade students recently.
The Real Money, Real World program offered through OSU Extension is an active, hands-on experience that gives young people the opportunity to make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those they will make as adults. They study how occupations will affect their income, learn about payroll deductions by their employers, how to use a savings and checking account, and how to make life choices. The student’s assume the role of a 27-year old adult who is married to Chris. They receive an occupation, monthly salary, and the number of children (if any) in their family.
At the end of the classroom lessons the students completed a real life simulation on Dec. 2. During the simulation students interacted with local businesses where they spent their salaries on “real life” budget items including housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, childcare and transportation. Throughout this activity, students kept track of their finances and attempted to complete the simulation with a positive balance. Students learn what they can afford and what they cannot afford on their income.
Many students commented on how much it costs to raise children and they didn’t realize all the bills their parents have to pay.
Local community representatives were: C103 Radio, Hamilton Insurance/Dwight Hamilton, Merchants National Bank, NCB Bank, 4-H volunteers and OSU Extension 4-H educators from Highland and Brown counties.
Submitted by Kathy Bruynis, Ohio Extension educator, 4-H youth development, Highland County.
