Links to the Saskatchewan English Language Arts Curriculum Outcomes:
- CR7.2 – Select and use appropriate strategies to construct meaning before (e.g., formulating questions), during (e.g., recognizing organizational structure), and after (e.g., making judgements supported by evidence) viewing, listening, and reading.
- CR7.7 – Read independently and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of specialized information texts including non-fiction books, grade-level instructional materials, articles, reports, reference materials, instructions, advertising and promotional materials, and websites.
- CC7.6 – Use oral language to interact purposefully and appropriately with others in pairs, small groups, and large group situations (e.g., contributing to sustaining dialogue, expressing support for others and their viewpoints, discussing and analyzing ideas and opinions, completing a variety of tasks, and contributing to group consensus building).
Brief Overview of the Lesson:
The students will learn about different methods people can use to pay for their purchases or their bills – such as cash, credit cards, debit cards, store cards, cheques, and electronic funds transfers. Using a jigsaw activity, each group will research one kind of payment, considering its pros and cons. The “experts” will then share with the other jigsaw groups.
Estimated Time Required for Implementation:
One period
Materials Needed:
Internet access
Suggested Implementation Strategy:
- Begin the class by showing a phone bill, a clothing bill, or other bills that have to be paid.
- Ask for suggestions as to how a person might want to pay these bills. Record the answers on the board. Keep asking questions to ensure the students suggest all the following – cash, credit cards, debit cards, store cards, cheques, and electronic funds transfers.
- Using a jigsaw activity, divide the class into 6 groups. Ask each group to research one of the methods people use to pay their bills. Tell the groups to make notes about the method they chose and be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of using this method of payment. When everyone is finished their research, have the “experts” share their findings with each of the groups.
- End the period by asking the questions:
1. Now that you have heard the pros and cons of each method of paying bills, which one do you think is best?
2. Why do you think this is the best way to pay bills?
3. Depending on the circumstances, could there be a time that using a different method to pay a bill would be better?
Evaluation:
- Observe students during the class and group discussions.
- Observe the answers to the final three questions to see what the students learned about paying debts.
Possible Links to the Home Program:
- Age Group 11–13 — Games – Filling in the Skeleton
Extended Learning Opportunities:
- Ask the students to research one particular kind of card as to what the annual fees are to own the card and what the interest rates or penalties are if payments are not made on time. Then share their research with the class.
Articles: