An exciting integrated lesson took place today in Mrs. Hickey’s first grade classroom. Students were given a catalog and $100 pretend money to buy items for their baby. The babies were made by the students to represent their birth weight and length. The students discussed the difference between wants and needs and had to make sure the essentials were covered before they considered a new Nintendo or a trip to Disney. They had to act as parents and come to consensus on many difficult decisions. After they budgeted their $100 they got to select a surprise card and make adjustments in their plans. A card could be extra money or an unexpected expense. The conversations over the realistic problem solving were wonderful and the students learned about real upbringing issues and demonstrated compassion.