As the school year is winding down, you might be on the search for fun and engaging lessons to do with your students that don't require tons of background knowledge and can provide meaningful information and interactions before the summer. Well, look no further! Below are THREE lessons from NGPF's Middle School Course that will do just that!

#1: MS-8.1 Preparing for High School

Before your graduating 8th graders leave middle school behind, prepare them with the need-to-knows so they're equipped to go to the next stage of their education in high school! Lesson 8.1 has students explore questions such as: What do colleges look for?, What's a high school transcript?, What are the differences between Honors, AP, and IB classes? and more! Students then do a fun activity where they get a head start on planning for success in high school!

#2: MS-3.2 Needs vs. Wants

Another great topic to cover at the end of the school year is the core budgeting concept of determining your needs vs. wants. In lesson 3.2, students identify their needs and wants and analyze how other peoples' opinions can sometimes influence those needs and wants. Students then apply what they've learned in the teacher favorite activity - The Bean Game! Students use an allotted amount of beans (or any other type of candy or item) to create a budget for themselves that reflects what they value and prioritize. 

#3: MS-2.1 Comparison Shopping

As students head into summer, they may be preparing to do some shopping! To ensure they know they're getting the best deal and aren't purely buying on impulse, review the practice of comparison shopping in lesson 2.1. Students learn how they can benefit from using this strategy and identify when it is worth their time and energy to use it. Whether they're buying clothes, concert tickets, or school supplies, they can rest assured knowing they're making a sound financial decision! 

We hope you enjoy using these lessons from the Middle School Course as you round out the school year! 

About the Authors

Sonia Dalal

Sonia has always been passionate about instruction and improving students' learning experiences. She's come a long way since her days as a first grader, when she would "teach" music and read to her very attentive stuffed animals after school. Since then, she has taught students as a K-12 tutor, worked in several EdTech startups in the Bay Area, and completed her Ed.M in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is passionate about bringing the high quality personal finance content and instruction she wished she'd received in school to the next generation of students and educators. When she isn't crafting lesson guides or working with teachers, Sonia loves to spend her time singing, being outdoors, and adventuring with family and friends!

Christian Sherrill

Former teacher, forever financial education nerd. As NGPF's Director of Growth & Advocacy, Christian is laser-focused on our mission to guarantee all students a rigorous personal finance course before crossing the high school graduation stage. Having paid down over $40k in student loans in the span of 3 years - while living in the Bay Area on an entry level teacher's salary - he's eager to help the next generation avoid financial pitfalls one semester at a time.