Fourth Grade AIM
Today in AIM
Welcome to AIM 2018-19! I was so excited to finally collect my fourth graders and get the year started! We spent about 80% of our time learning about our new MORE economy system. This will be the system that we rely on to ensure that our classroom runs efficiently and smoothly. Each student picked a job from a list that I had customized specifically for our needs and received their first monthly paycheck. They learned how to log their paycheck into their bank account balance sheet. Next they each determined their weekly fixed expenses (rent and utilities), and variable expenses (amenities such as large pillows, gel pens etc.,). They learned to pay their bills via writing a check and subtract that bill from their checking balance. It was a lot for them to take in and for the first couple of weeks it will be challenging but we all know firsthand how important financial literacy is! After each month whatever is left over in their bank can be used to shop in our MORE store.
With our remaining time we started a lesson on leadership. We explored the character traits of a good leader and picked one to sketch. We are going to take that sketch and make a cardboard automata which are just a playful way to explore simple machine elements such as cams, levers, and linkages, while creating a mechanical sculpture. A great start to our new year!