Week 7: Money Management
Teaching money management to middle school students is an important life skill that can set them up for financial success in the future. Bellow are the concepts that students will be learning.
Budgeting:
To teach students how to create a simple budget. Starting with their income, which may come from allowances, gifts, or part-time jobs, and then help them list their expenses, such as school supplies, snacks, and entertainment.
We will emphasize the importance of tracking and categorizing expenses to understand where their money is going.
Saving:
To encourage students to set savings goals. Whether it's for a new gadget, a trip, or a future college fund, having goals can motivate them to save.
Teaching them about the power of compound interest and how saving money can lead to more significant wealth over time.
Needs vs. Wants:
Help students distinguish between needs (essentials like food, clothing, and school supplies) and wants (non-essentials like video games or designer clothes).
Encourage them to prioritize spending on needs before wants.
Allowances:
If students receive allowances, discuss the importance of managing that money wisely. They can allocate a portion for saving, spending, and giving (e.g., to charity).
Decision-Making:
We will discuss the concept of making informed financial decisions. Teach them to research before making a purchase, compare prices, and look for discounts or deals.
Banking:
If your students have access to a bank account, we will explain how it works, including deposits, withdrawals, and the use of debit cards.
Encouraging them to save a portion of their allowance or earnings in a bank account.
Tracking Expenses:
We will help students keep a spending diary or use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track their expenses and income regularly.
Review their financial records together to identify areas for improvement.
Avoiding Debt:
We will discuss the risks of borrowing money and accumulating debt. Teach them about credit cards, loans, and the importance of responsible borrowing.
Investing:
Introduce the concept of investing and how it can help grow wealth over time. You can use simple examples like investing in stocks or bonds.
Goal Setting:
Encourage students to set both short-term and long-term financial goals. Discuss the steps needed to achieve these goals.
Delayed Gratification:
We will teach the importance of delayed gratification, which means waiting to purchase something they want until they have enough money saved for it.
Taxes:
The idea of taxes and how they impact income. Explaining basic concepts like income tax, sales tax, and how they fund government services.
Role-Play:
Engage students in real-life scenarios where they have to make financial decisions, such as planning a budget for a family vacation or deciding how to spend their allowance.
We will use real-life examples, interactive activities, and age-appropriate resources to help them grasp these money management concepts effectively. The skills they learn now will serve them well in the future.
Week 6: Household Management
Teaching middle school students about household management is a valuable life skill that can help them become more responsible and self-sufficient. Chores and Responsibilities:
We will teach students about the importance of sharing household chores.
Create a chore chart or schedule to help them understand their responsibilities.
Discuss the concept of teamwork and how everyone in the family contributes to maintaining a clean and organized home.
Cleaning:
Explain the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.
Teach basic cleaning techniques, such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and doing laundry.
Emphasize the proper use of cleaning products and tools.
Time Management:
Help students create a weekly schedule that includes homework, chores, and free time.
Discuss the importance of balancing schoolwork and responsibilities.
Meal Planning and Cooking:
Teach students how to plan simple, balanced meals.
Introduce them to basic cooking techniques and kitchen safety.
Encourage them to help with meal preparation and clean-up.
Budgeting and Money Management:
Explain the importance of budgeting and saving money.
Introduce them to concepts like income, expenses, and saving for future goals.
Organizational Skills:
Show them how to organize their belongings, such as their room, school materials, and personal items.
Teach them the benefits of decluttering and staying organized.
Grocery Shopping:
Take them on a trip to the grocery store and explain how to make a shopping list.
Discuss how to compare prices and make budget-conscious choices.
Basic Home Repairs:
Teach students how to perform simple home repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet, changing a light bulb, or sewing a button.
Emergency Preparedness:
Discuss basic safety measures, like what to do in case of a fire or a medical emergency.
Teach them how to use important emergency contact information.
Sustainability:
Educate students about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Encourage them to conserve resources, such as water and electricity.
Communication Skills:
Stress the importance of effective communication within the family, especially when discussing responsibilities and problems.
Problem-Solving:
Encourage students to think critically and come up with solutions to household issues.
Teamwork and Cooperation:
Teach them about the benefits of working together as a family to accomplish tasks and achieve common goals.
Setting and Achieving Goals:
Help students set personal goals related to their responsibilities and track their progress.
Household management lessons will be interactive and practical, allowing students to apply what they learn in real-life situations. By introducing these concepts and skills to middle school students, we will help them become more responsible and prepared for the future.
Week 5: Media
Creating media can be a fun and educational activity for middle school students. It allows them to express themselves creatively and develop valuable skills.
Students will engage in creating a Digital Art or Animation: they will create digital art and animations. Software like Adobe Creative Suite or free tools like Krita will be used. These creations be shared on social media, personal websites, or in presentations.
Every morning students will be expected to blog. Writing a blog is a fantastic way for students to express their thoughts and ideas. They will create their own blog using platforms like WordPress or Blogger. They will be encouraged to write about their interests, hobbies, or school-related topics.
Week 4: Construction/ Engineering
The element of essentials and art
Teaching construction concepts to middle school and high school students can be an exciting and hands-on way to introduce them to the world of engineering and design. Some of the examples of what the students will learning include:
Basic concepts of construction by having students build simple structures using materials like wooden blocks, popsicle sticks, or LEGO bricks. This will help them understand the principles of stability and balance. We will start with a Safety Lesson to emphasize the importance of safety in construction. Teach students about personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures on construction sites. We will conduct safety drills or simulations. Followed by Guest Speakers: that include professionals from the construction industry, such as architects, engineers, or builders, to speak to the students about their careers and experiences in the field. During this lesson we will have a Construction Challenge where students have to build specific structures with limited resources and time. This can be a fun and competitive way to reinforce problem-solving and teamwork skills. They will create a Miniature Bridge challenging students to design and build miniature bridges using various materials like straws, toothpicks, or craft sticks. This activity can introduce them to basic engineering principles, such as load distribution and strength.ng how to spend their allowance.
We will use real-life examples, interactive activities, and age-appropriate resources to help them grasp these money management concepts effectively. The skills they learn now will serve them well in the future.
Week 2: Cosmetology/ Barber
It all begins with an idea.
In Week 2 we aim to help students create basic and some advanced skills for students to be able to support basic hygiene and more advanced hair styles
Cosmetology is a professional field that focuses on providing a wide range of beauty and grooming services to clients. Cosmetologists, also known as beauty professionals or cosmeticians, are licensed individuals who are trained to offer various beauty treatments and services related to hair, skin, and nails.
Barbering is a specialized field that primarily focuses on hair cutting, styling, and grooming for men. Barbers are licensed professionals who specialize in hair services for people with short hair.
The field of cosmetology and barbering is constantly evolving with new trends and techniques. Many cosmetologists engage in ongoing education to stay current with the latest industry developments and expand their skill set.
Cosmetology is a versatile and dynamic field that allows professionals to help clients enhance their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and stay up-to-date with beauty trends. It offers various career opportunities and the chance to develop specialized skills within the beauty and grooming industry..
Week 3: Health Care
It all begins with an idea.
Participants will learn basic skills needed to support their physical and mental health. Middle school students will engage in various activities related to healthcare to gain knowledge and develop valuable skills.
We plan on incorporating
Exploring opportunities for volunteering at local healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. Many facilities welcome young volunteers for non-clinical roles, like assisting with administrative tasks or interacting with patients. Collaborate with local healthcare professional and listen to guest speaker sessions on topics like hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. lastly integrate a Gardening and Nutrition Program by starting a school garden and teach students about growing fruits and vegetables. This can promote an understanding of the connection between food and health.
Week 1: Culinary
It all begins with an idea.
Basic culinary skills are en essential part of most individuals everyday lives. During week 1 we will delve into learning the basic skills of culinary arts.
Culinary arts involve various aspects, including:
Cooking Techniques: This includes methods like grilling, roasting, sautéing, boiling, baking, frying, and more. Different techniques are used to achieve specific results in terms of flavor, texture, and appearance.
Culinary Skills: Culinary professionals must master a range of skills, from knife skills for precise cutting to the ability to create intricate food presentations.
Food Safety and Sanitation: Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses. Culinary professionals must adhere to strict food safety guidelines.
Culinary Education: Many aspiring chefs and cooks attend culinary schools or take courses to learn about culinary theory and techniques. This education can include both hands-on cooking experience and classroom instruction.
Culinary Arts and Culture: Different cuisines and cooking traditions from around the world offer diverse flavors and culinary experiences. Learning about the culinary arts of various cultures is an important aspect of the field.
Menu Planning: In restaurants and catering, menu planning involves creating a balanced and appealing selection of dishes that meet the preferences and dietary restrictions of customers.
Presentation and Plating: The visual presentation of a dish is as important as its taste. Creative plating and presentation techniques can enhance the dining experience.
Culinary arts are not limited to professional chefs; anyone can develop their culinary skills and create delicious meals at home. The hope is to identify some future chiefs, and create a pathway for success.