SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

The Classroom Economy: Teaching Fourth Graders About Inflation

Advertisement

By Lauren Almond

At the school in Philadelphia where I teach, we have a very robust classroom economy. My students are required to pay “rent” on their chairs, which is due on the first Friday of the month.

Unfortunately, I have some bad news for my fourth-grade students: thanks to inflation, which is causing prices to skyrocket across the country, their rent is about to increase from $5 to $7 a month. It seems only fair, since across the U.S., the average rent is up 12.3% over February 2020.

The dollars themselves might be fake, but the lessons they teach are very real: ways to manage money and keep track of a budget, how to decide whether and when to buy something, what it feels like when inflation suddenly makes daily life more expensive, and how to minimize the impact of these unexpected costs.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $16.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Lauren Almond is a fourth-grade teacher at Perelman Jewish Day School.

Education News

School Safety Plans: 4 Ways Districts Can Prepare for Everyday Medical Emergencies

While most people think of lockdowns when they hear “school safety,” it’s also critical to plan for situations like seizures or cardiac arrest.

Building a Listening Culture: A Conversation with Christine Miles

In our discussion with educator, author, and keynote speaker Christine Miles, we explore the often-invisible crisis of listening in education.

Four Education Innovators Honored with 2025 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

This year’s class of McGraw Prize winners combines highly innovative approaches to learning with results that transform lives.

Who Knew? Transforming How We See and Support Dyslexic Learners

One-third of the population simply learns differently from the way they are taught. They share the underlying “gift” of dyslexia, which is an ability to alter perception.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Lauren Almond
Lauren Almond
Lauren Almond is a fourth-grade teacher at Perelman Jewish Day School.

Advertisement

Read More

School Safety Plans: 4 Ways Districts Can Prepare for Everyday Medical Emergencies

While most people think of lockdowns when they hear “school safety,” it’s also critical to plan for situations like seizures or cardiac arrest.

Beyond Fame, Fortune, and Followers: Inspiring Students to Redefine Success

I’ve started to notice a troubling trend among my students: many of them equate success with fame, followers, or a fat bank account.

Building a Listening Culture: A Conversation with Christine Miles

In our discussion with educator, author, and keynote speaker Christine Miles, we explore the often-invisible crisis of listening in education.

Four Education Innovators Honored with 2025 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

This year’s class of McGraw Prize winners combines highly innovative approaches to learning with results that transform lives.

Who Knew? Transforming How We See and Support Dyslexic Learners

One-third of the population simply learns differently from the way they are taught. They share the underlying “gift” of dyslexia, which is an ability to alter perception.

School Tablet Management: Choosing the Right Storage and Charging System

In K–12 schools, managing dozens or even hundreds of student tablets can present significant logistical challenges. PowerGistics’ innovative systems offer a straightforward way to address these concerns.