Category Archives: economics

Economics Ideas: Human Resources

In elementary school, students are learn about human, natural, and capital resources as part of their economics unit. These resources are closely related to the student’s study of goods and services. Human resources are defined as people who work to … Continue reading

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Teaching About Community in a Preschool Classroom

It can be difficult to explain what a community is to a preschool classroom.  Community helpers are often included in preschool themes, but the overall community is frequently overlooked.  Here are some great resources for teaching children about living in … Continue reading

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Economics: Needs and Wants

Everyone has wants.  However, students need to realize that people can not have everything they want.   Choices have to be made.  Some choices are made based on our basic needs, which include food, clothing, and shelter.  The following books are … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics Through Children’s Literature: Pennies for Elephants

  Pennies for Elephants written and illustrated by Lita Judge is a wonderful tale based on a true story of how the children of Boston came together to save three very special circus elephants.  A brother and sister duo unite … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics with Children’s Literature: Max’s Bunny Business

  Introduction Max’s Bunny Business is a very cute and fun way to help teach kids about buying things and earning money to pay for those things. This story follows Max the bunny and his friends as they scheme up … Continue reading

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Teaching First Grade Math: Money

Teachers can use the following resources for students that are in the first grade who are learning about money with a total value up to 100 cents or less (Virginia Standards of Learning for 1.7 a & b). Text Annotations:  The Coin Counting … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics with Children’s Literature: The Economy

The Economy written by Terence O’Hara gives an in-depth look at the economy of the United States and includes topics such as, free enterprise, the law of supply and demand, how businesses work, business cycles, and different types of economies … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics With Children’s Literature: 26 Letters and 99 Cents

  Introduction and Summary 26 Letters and 99 Cents is a great introductory book for students regarding money. It goes through multiple ways of making different amounts of cents, such as 6 cents (6 pennies, or 1 nickel and 1 … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics with Children’s Literature: Estela’s Swap

Introduction and Summary Estela’s Swap written by Alexis O’Neill and illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez,is about a young girl from Santa Ana named Estela. She is selling her music box at the Swap Meet for ten dollars so that she … Continue reading

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Teaching Economics with Children’s Literature: The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Money

  Introduction and Summary In Trouble With Money, by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Brother and Sister Bear are very good at spending money.  Any time they receive money from a grandparent or from a neighbor, they run to the Country … Continue reading

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