Teaching Economic Concepts with Picture Books and Junior Novels

Book excerpt: Using quality literature to introduce younger students to economic terms and concepts is an engaging and effective teaching method. This book demonstrates how. At what age can children benefit from learning about economics? The consensus among educators today is the earlier the better. K–8 teachers and librarians will find this book invaluable for introducing basic economic concepts to students and giving them a solid foundation of understanding that can be built upon as they advance in grade level. Author Nancy Polette, prolific author and expert on using picture books for education, explains how to use 20 picture books to present basic ideas such as credit, wants and needs, and supply and demand; and to build understanding of more complex concepts with 20 junior novels. The titles and suggested activities enable students to enjoy the literary experience and benefit from economic lessons that sink in because they are presented through stories involving characters with whom children can relate.