Davidson County 4-H Program hosts "Reality Check" money management simulation at McKissack Middle School
A
Janice Hayslett, Davidson County Extension Agent
s part of the McKissack Middle School Mentoring Program for 8th graders, TSU 4-H Extension Agent Janice Hayslett conducted a "Reality Check" simulation with the help of volunteers from the academic world, business community, and various TSU organizations. The activity was meant to simulate the level of fiscal responsibility that is associated with adulthood, and teach students the importance of managing money and providing financially for themselves and their families. Prior to the simulation, students received an orientation covering basic financial responsibility and what to expect during their time paying the bills of a typical adult. Students were given a "Knowledge is Power" sheet outlining important life choices such as higher education and choosing a career based on aptitude, interest and other factors. The orientation concluded with students envisioning themselves as 25year-old household providers and learning how to write a check and balance their account. The simulation itself began with each student drawing a "Pull Your Life" card that listed a career, education level, monthly salary, and familial situation. After the students learned their situations, the realities of economic responsibility began to set in with each student calculating
61 Extension Impacts, 201 3
his or her own taxation amount. After taxes were taken out of their monthly salary, the students were asked to visit various booths representing expenses typical of a working adult like housing, food, utilities, insurance and, sometimes, costly unforeseen events while learning to make sound financial decisions. It was apparent that students learned from the experience and, despite the harsh realities of financial responsibility, appreciated the simulation by having fun and learning. Commenting on what they learned from the experience, students said "I learned what parents have to go through for us余 thank you
for getting me prepared," "My parents are on a budget and I can't always have what I want," and "Now I see what my mother has to go through." All in all, approximately 100 students utilized life skills such as reading, math and critical thinking during the simulation while also building character and camaraderie. For more information on the "Reality Check" money management simulation, the McKissack Middle School Mentoring program, or any other 4-H programs in Davidson County, contact Janice Hayslett at jhayslett@tnstate.edu.