"Mall of Life" for 6th & 7th grade students
December 01, 2011
The "Mall of Life" was a big success over 3 days in November with 400 students attending our event at HCC. Dakota and Pearl City brought their 6th graders and Freeport Middle School and Carl Sandburg brought their 300 7th graders. Durand and Pecatonica were not able to participate this year.
Many volunteers from the school communities, including counselors and teachers, plus the Careers In Business students and their instructor, helped 'work' at the Mall...they are a very important part of providing this event and we really appreciate all of them giving of their time.
The students experienced getting a 'pretend' monthly salary at the "Show Me The Money City Bank" for their career choice and a random selection of either being married, single, divorced, and having children or not. This 'game of life' helps the students learn how to manage a checkbook and their money by getting a place to live at "Homes R Us", vehicle(s)at "Deals On Wheels", and the businesses "stores" for insurance, groceries, clothes, going to the doctor, providing for day care if needed, buying a computer, etc., and even arranging a vacation trip. The HCC Sheriff was present at our Mall to remind the students to obey the rules. A game of Chance/Community Chest provided different things that can happen in life. Voting was also available; the ballots have not been counted yet, but we will let the students know soon who wins.
The purpose of this event is to provide information to prepare a young person to make realistic choices to achieve a successful future. It offers a glimpse into the realities of an occupation, salaries, and the obligations of daily life.
