... and win a $200 cash Grant and Flip Video Camera
The economy is brutal right now—which means it's more important than ever to teach our students about money management. And you don't have to be an economics teacher to do it—social studies teachers can integrate discussions of money management into many of their lessons, Math teachers can teach finance while teaching math basics and English teachers can have students write or journal about money-related topics. By working together, we can raise a generation that's ready to take on the economy and manage their money wisely. Here are a few ways that you can get started:
1. Use Blogs. Blogs are a great resource for real-life topics like money management because they give real-life advice. Have your students find and print a series of blog articles on a variety of money management topics and then compile them into a reference folder or book so they have something to reference when they have money management questions. (Need a place to start? Here are two great money management articles: One on using credit cards wisely and the other on being a smart consumer.)
http://linxcareerlifeskillsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/your-new-credit-card.html
http://linxcareerlifeskillsblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/be-smart-consumer.html
2. Use RSS Feeds. While researching blog articles on money management, your students are sure to find some great money management blogs. Subscribe to a few of your favorites and then spend a few minutes at the beginning of class reading through their latest posts.http://linxcareerlifeskillsblog.blogspot.com
3. Use DVDs and Videos. If you didn't major in accounting or economics, you might not know everything there is to know about money management. But that's okay! Pick up a few informative and grade-appropriate DVDs on Money Management and use them to supplement your classroom discussions. http://www.linxedu.com/Money_Management_s/165.htm
4. Use Your Own Stories. Did you learn the hard way about the dangers of credit cards when you were in college? Or did you find a way to create a budget that has worked really well? Tell your students what you do to manage your money so that they can learn from you.
5. Use Games. Kids love playing games. So, challenge your class to the "Smart Consumer Challenge" where they'll learn budgeting, get money-saving tips and learn how to be a smart shopping in a fast-paced and fun game! http://www.linxedu.com/SMART_CONSUMER_CHALLENGE_GAME_p/54-ac07.htm
Your turn: Have a great idea on how to teach money management to kids? Tell us about it and you could win $200 and a Flip Video Camera or the Smart Money DVD series for your classroom! Apply now.
http://www.weareteachers.com/ideas/partnerask?grantId=58
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Communication Skills
How would you rate your communication skills?
Do you often walk away from a conversation unsure of what someone was trying to tell you? Do you ever feel like others did not understand what you were trying to tell them? Or maybe you felt like the person to whom you were speaking was bored or disinterested in what you were saying.
Good communication skills will not only help with personal relationships and friendships, but will also help with school and career success. While good communication skills may seem like common sense, its amazing how many people are terrible at this. The simplest skill includes looking people in the eye when communicating. How difficult could that be? You would be amazed. Especially with all the distractions we have these days. Have you ever been talking to someone while they checked messages on their phone or were looking in another direction or even worse... texting someone else in the middle of your conversation? How did that make you feel? Most likely, you felt as though they did not care to hear what you were saying.
A good basic rule of communication is respect. When having a conversation, look others in the eye. Give them your full attention. Ask questions. If you need to, restate what someone is saying to make sure you understand important tasks like instructions. And, always watch your tone. Remember, your tone communicates more effectively than your words. Maybe your friend is celebrating a big accomplishment. There can be a noticeable difference in tone when you say, "congratulations." Did you sound excited when you said that word? Or did you say that word with a tone that felt envious, jealous or unimpressed? Your tone will express much more about how you feel than the word itself.
So, next time you are having a conversation, pay attention to your body language and your tone. Are you present and engaged in the conversation? Is the other person? Always show others respect by being both a good speaker and listener. That is your key to great communication.
Do you often walk away from a conversation unsure of what someone was trying to tell you? Do you ever feel like others did not understand what you were trying to tell them? Or maybe you felt like the person to whom you were speaking was bored or disinterested in what you were saying.
Good communication skills will not only help with personal relationships and friendships, but will also help with school and career success. While good communication skills may seem like common sense, its amazing how many people are terrible at this. The simplest skill includes looking people in the eye when communicating. How difficult could that be? You would be amazed. Especially with all the distractions we have these days. Have you ever been talking to someone while they checked messages on their phone or were looking in another direction or even worse... texting someone else in the middle of your conversation? How did that make you feel? Most likely, you felt as though they did not care to hear what you were saying.
A good basic rule of communication is respect. When having a conversation, look others in the eye. Give them your full attention. Ask questions. If you need to, restate what someone is saying to make sure you understand important tasks like instructions. And, always watch your tone. Remember, your tone communicates more effectively than your words. Maybe your friend is celebrating a big accomplishment. There can be a noticeable difference in tone when you say, "congratulations." Did you sound excited when you said that word? Or did you say that word with a tone that felt envious, jealous or unimpressed? Your tone will express much more about how you feel than the word itself.
So, next time you are having a conversation, pay attention to your body language and your tone. Are you present and engaged in the conversation? Is the other person? Always show others respect by being both a good speaker and listener. That is your key to great communication.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Dangers of Sexting
Sexting. What exactly is that anyway?
Simply put, it is defined as the act of sending sexually explicit content, usually between cell phones. And, it has become far too common between teens and young adults. The statistics are alarming. As many as one in five teens have sent sexually suggestive photos of themselves to someone else. That's ONE in FIVE. And, a study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows a third have received such images. In focus groups, teens told researchers that sexting is used to experiment with sexuality or as part of a sexual relationship.
But, when it comes to the law, keep in mind that many states view this as child pornography. Teens, as well as adults, have been charged with distribution and possession of child pornography. While some states are re-examining the law, it is still a bad... very bad idea.
For one thing, you can never be absolutely certain of who will receive or see these images. Certainly, you never intended for Joe in your Algebra class to see these images, but maybe you selected the wrong address when you hit "send" or maybe the person to whom you did send these images decided they would then share them with Joe. And with Michael. And with Robert. And with your best friend, Sarah. Well, you get the idea. The evening news has covered more than one teen committing suicide because of this exact scenario.
In this very fast-paced world of social media, teens and young adults are quick to share information with others. For them it is completely normal and just good fun. Yet, many do not think about who they are sharing information with and the consequences that may arise. We all know teens think, "oh, that would never happen to me." But, more and more, we are all learning how this technology we love can also work against us. And, so quickly. Those images move with lightning speed through Facebook, email and cell phones. Once something like this takes off, its hard to stop it.
I could throw out more statistics and court cases, believe you me there is a lot of information out there on this subject, but I think you get the idea. This is a topic that deserves everyone's attention. Teens, especially, need to be reminded about making wise choices when sharing content with others. They need to be aware of what could happen, even if they don't think it could ever happen to them.
Teach students the dangers of sexting with our new DVD, Sexting: Sex Plus Text Equals Trouble.
Simply put, it is defined as the act of sending sexually explicit content, usually between cell phones. And, it has become far too common between teens and young adults. The statistics are alarming. As many as one in five teens have sent sexually suggestive photos of themselves to someone else. That's ONE in FIVE. And, a study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows a third have received such images. In focus groups, teens told researchers that sexting is used to experiment with sexuality or as part of a sexual relationship.
But, when it comes to the law, keep in mind that many states view this as child pornography. Teens, as well as adults, have been charged with distribution and possession of child pornography. While some states are re-examining the law, it is still a bad... very bad idea.
For one thing, you can never be absolutely certain of who will receive or see these images. Certainly, you never intended for Joe in your Algebra class to see these images, but maybe you selected the wrong address when you hit "send" or maybe the person to whom you did send these images decided they would then share them with Joe. And with Michael. And with Robert. And with your best friend, Sarah. Well, you get the idea. The evening news has covered more than one teen committing suicide because of this exact scenario.
In this very fast-paced world of social media, teens and young adults are quick to share information with others. For them it is completely normal and just good fun. Yet, many do not think about who they are sharing information with and the consequences that may arise. We all know teens think, "oh, that would never happen to me." But, more and more, we are all learning how this technology we love can also work against us. And, so quickly. Those images move with lightning speed through Facebook, email and cell phones. Once something like this takes off, its hard to stop it.
I could throw out more statistics and court cases, believe you me there is a lot of information out there on this subject, but I think you get the idea. This is a topic that deserves everyone's attention. Teens, especially, need to be reminded about making wise choices when sharing content with others. They need to be aware of what could happen, even if they don't think it could ever happen to them.
Teach students the dangers of sexting with our new DVD, Sexting: Sex Plus Text Equals Trouble.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Your New Credit Card
Why did you apply for that credit card? Was it to purchase an airline ticket online? Was it to help establish good credit for your future? Or was it because you find yourself low on cash each month?
Let’s hope it was not for the low on cash reason. That should be a big, red flag for absolutely not getting a credit card. If you cannot live within your budget, a credit card is not the answer. But, we do need credit cards for most of our online purchases. And, more importantly, to establish a good credit score for future purchases, like a home or car. When you apply for a credit card, you know it will be a helpful tool, but one that you need to be very careful with. Sort of like buying a chain saw. Sure, it’ll help you cut down that tree, but there are obvious risks. This is how you need to treat your credit card. Use it only when necessary... and when you do use it, proceed with caution.
So, what if you are new to using credit cards? You’re not so sure when and when not to use the card. Or maybe you just want some parameters to keep yourself in check until you feel more confident. If that’s the case, then here are some tips for making smart decisions with your new card:
Let’s hope it was not for the low on cash reason. That should be a big, red flag for absolutely not getting a credit card. If you cannot live within your budget, a credit card is not the answer. But, we do need credit cards for most of our online purchases. And, more importantly, to establish a good credit score for future purchases, like a home or car. When you apply for a credit card, you know it will be a helpful tool, but one that you need to be very careful with. Sort of like buying a chain saw. Sure, it’ll help you cut down that tree, but there are obvious risks. This is how you need to treat your credit card. Use it only when necessary... and when you do use it, proceed with caution.
So, what if you are new to using credit cards? You’re not so sure when and when not to use the card. Or maybe you just want some parameters to keep yourself in check until you feel more confident. If that’s the case, then here are some tips for making smart decisions with your new card:
- First and foremost, you need a budget. You need to know that you can pay off any balances at the end of each month.
- Excellent point – pay off your balance every month. You’d be amazed at how quickly carrying a balance can add up and get you in trouble.
- Only use the card when absolutely necessary.
- Be sure to shop around for the best rate.
- Review your statement every month. This will help you see how your money is being spent and also ensure that your card has not been used by anyone else.
- Keep your card in a safe place. And, if you do lose your card or you suspect it has been stolen, alert your financial institution immediately.
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