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
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Sep 24, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Registration Deadline: September 24, 2025
- Grade Level: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Kindergarten, Middle School
- Potential Recertification Credits: 1
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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
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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
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