Reading Makes Cents (RMC): Problem Solving Through Economic Choices

Reading Makes Cents (RMC): Problem Solving Through Economic Choices

The Reading Makes Cents Reading Challenge helps K–8 students understand and apply many History and Social Science SOL concepts, including the ideas of scarcity, decision-making, work, money, and saving. This engaging webinar will introduce the new book selections for this year, while also walking you through the accompanying lessons and materials. Whether you’re a returning teacher or new to the program, you’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies to integrate economics and personal finance into your literacy block or social studies lessons.

Workshop Details

• Sep 24, 2025
  4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Grade Level: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Kindergarten, Middle School
• Potential Recertification Credits: 1
• Additional Information:

  We will send the Zoom link via email one week prior to the workshop.
  For more information on Reading Makes Cents visit: https://vcee.org/elementary-school/reading-makes-cents/

• Instructor: Lauren Shifflett, Associate Director
• Contact Person:
  Lauren Shifflett, Associate Director
  James Madison University
  540.568.3248
  shiffllh@jmu.edu
• Fee: No charge

Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane’s Bright Invention Makes a Splash
Author: Kate Hannigan

Elementary Economic Concepts:

• Entrepreneurship – Josephine identifies a problem (dishes breaking) and creates a solution.
• Innovation and Invention – Her creation improves efficiency.
• Scarcity of Time and Resources – Addresses how time is a limited resource in households.
• Productivity – Machines helping people do tasks faster and better.
• Opportunity Cost – Choosing to spend time inventing vs. other social activities.

Key Vocabulary: entrepreneur, inventor, machine, resource, productivity, problem-solving

A Budget for Bingo Author: Tori Filas

Elementary Economic Concepts:

• Budgeting – Planning how to use money wisely.
• Wants vs. Needs – Understanding the difference between what we must have and what we’d like to have.
• Saving – Delaying spending in order to reach a financial goal.
• Spending Choices – Deciding how to spend limited money.
• Opportunity Cost – Choosing one item or experience means giving up another.

Key Vocabulary: budget, saving, spending, needs, wants, money

Cooler Than Lemonade Author: Harshita Jerath

Elementary Economic Concepts:

• Entrepreneurship and Competition – Starting a business and adapting when others do too.
• Innovation and Differentiation – Improving a product to meet customer needs.
• Goods and Services – Selling lemonade and providing a service to customers.
• Profit and Pricing – Understanding costs and setting a fair price.
• Decision Making – Adjusting business strategy based on market competition.

Key Vocabulary: business, customer, goods, services, competition, innovation