TOPIC:

The Headaches Money Can Cause

RESOURCES NEEDED:

A copy of the book Jason and the Money Tree by Sonia Levitan

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY:

Children think that one could never have too much money. In this book a boy learns that having a lot of money can cause just as many problems as not having enough money. It teaches the concept that money doesn’t grow on trees and that money management can be stressful and difficult.  The boy learns some important life lessons in an amusing, entertaining way.

THE ACTIVITY:

• The book is about a boy named Jason who plants a ten dollar bill that his grandfather left him. It sprouts into a money tree. The money causes Jason nothing but problems and worry.
• Discuss the title of the book with your child. Ask them if they think having a money tree would be a good thing to have. Ask what they would do if they had a money tree. Ask if having an unlimited source of money could cause any problems.
• Read the book together, discussing the difficulties the money tree causes for Jason.
• Ask your child if their view about having a money tree changed after reading the book.

FOLLOW UP IDEA:

• Read another book about the problems of having too much wealth. King Midas, a book by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is based on the Greek legend of King Midas. He was a greedy king who wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. He got his wish, but found out that some things are more precious than gold.