February 10, 2003

Dear Parents,

We are going to have a "swap meet" as a final project to end our unit of study on money. We wish to give the children a real-life experience so we are asking for your help.

FIRST PART
We want the students to have to earn their own money, just like you do! The "pay period" should last from now until the day of our swap meet, March 7. You could pay him/her a few cents for each little job completed. For example, your child could wash windows for 25 cents or sweep the floors for 10 cents or make the bed for 5 cents. Feel free to come up with whatever works for your family in order for your child to earn the money. The most important thing is that they learn the value of work and of saving money. Please do not pay them more than 25 cents for each job. They need experience with coins of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent value. No child should bring more than $3.00 maximum to spend.

SECOND PART
On March 7 we will have a swap meet where students can sell what they have cleaned out from the toy box or closet at home. Please remember, only USED toys/books/homemade crafts should be brought to sell to their friends. Please make sure these toys can fit into a regular size grocery bag.

THIRD PART
We will send more instructions about the swap meet later but for now, we ask your help in getting your child started in saving money. We appreciate your cooperation and know that your child will be more prepared for real life as a result of this effort.

Thank You,

The Second Grade Teachers

 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

HOMEWORK March 3, 2003

Dear Parents,

Your child's homework this week is to find a few items to sell at this Friday's SWAP MEET and put prices on them. Please keep each item between $.25 and $1.00. Remember, this is homework. If your child doesn't bring anything to sell, the lesson won't be effective, and he/she will only be an observer. Please be sure your child brings something to sell. Children may bring items such as old books or magazines, McDonalds toys, trading cards, etc. Baking cookies or drawing some pretty pictures are other good ideas! (Please no candy) Use the labels attached to price your items. This pricing should be decided and labeled by your child. Bring all priced items in a brown paper bag on Thursday, no sooner. Thank you for your support.

The Second Grade Teachers

PERMISSION SLIP
(No child will participate without signed permission slip.)

I have checked the items in this bag and I give my permission for my child,

____________________________ to sell these items at the swap meet.

______________________________________
Parent Signature

Checklist

1. $2.oo to $3.00 spending money, change only (from the money earned and saved).
2. Items to sell (one full bag only please).
3. Something to carry money in (a purse, wallet, or baggie).
4. Child's name on the outside of the bag.
5. This signed permission slip. Without the permission slip the child can not participate.