teacher, this book will allow you to embark on a rich study that asks children to practice skills as well as develop deeper understand- ing. Problem solving, data collection, com- putation, and communicating mathematical ideas figure prominently in lessons. Sugges- tions for assessment are also included. Math by All Means: Money, Grades 1–2.
Math Solutions, 1996. 192 pages. $29.95. 800-868-9092.
Sacred Economics: Money, Gift, and
Society in the Age of Transition, by Charles Eisenstein (see his article beginning on page 12 of this issue), is an innovative and coura- geous view of our current economic situation, its history, and possible alternatives to our economic structure. The author introduces
concepts of gift economies, deepening true community, and sustainable living—not just as it pertains to agriculture or energy consump- tion, but as it pertains to all interconnected aspects of life. Sacred Economics is a great resource for teachers as they contemplate what is most important to teach our children. Are there other ways to live in which resources, goods, and services are shared without a price tag attached to them? Or ways of living that do not over consume vital resources and generate profound waste? This book, many portions of which are available online, is about change and hope on a very large scale. Sacred Economics: Money, Gift, and
Society in the Age of Transition. Evolver Edi- tions (North Atlantic Books), 2011. 496 pages. $22.95. 510-549-4270.
Video Kids + Money, by award-winning filmmaker and photographer Lauren Greenfield,
is an excruciatingly clear and poignant look at the attitudes of early teens living in Los Angeles. Interviews with kids and their parents, footage of their homes and individuals’ bedrooms, after-school activities, etc. provide in-depth portraits of a diverse group. “It’s more expensive to be a girl . . . you have to get your nails done all the time . . .” “The stress of money has really destroyed my family’s dynamic, and I have a lot of resentment about that.” “Spending, like, four-digit amounts on clothes for school is totally not appropriate; but something like a bag, that you use every day, that is appropriate.” Both children of well-off families and families who experience financial hardship are featured. Watching this provocative film will initiate lively conversations with your students age ten and up. For a preview clip, visit here. Kids + Money. Bullfrog Films, 2007. 33 minutes; VHS or DVD with teacher’s guide.
Purchase, $195.00/rental, $45.00; pricing is situation-dependent and teachers are entitled to 30 percent discount off rental price. Call 800-543-3764 to discuss prices.
Tools and Websites Pennies: after seeing several sources that sell plastic pennies for $4.95/100 count, I cannot
imagine why one would not use real pennies. Place pennies in a fine-mesh bag or small bag made up of the foot of old nylons and run them through a dishwasher. Students can bring their own from home. Real pennies will have variations in the dates which will intrigue students. Can they find pennies made in the year they were born? Which is the oldest penny? What year has the highest number of pennies in the classroom collection?
TeacherStorehouse.com: Manipulatives and teaching tools including play money (plastic
coins and paper bills), stamps, stickers, teaching posters, and jumbo-sized coins that are realis- tic photos on cardstock.
Coin Dominoes: SEN Teacher’s website offers free, printable coin dominoes in English,
European, Australian, and American currency. PBS Kids: A site devoted to debunking advertising for children. Advertising tricks, com-
parison shopping, and manipulation through the media are examined. ©SYNERGY LEARNING • 800-769-6199 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 Connect • PAGE 21
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