Checking+Accounts+1

I teach this unit to 8th graders.

Outline of unit:
 * 1) Pretest
 * 2) Checking Account Worksheet introducing the basics
 * 3) Putting It All Together activity which introduces balancing against the bank statement
 * 4) 3 months of practice activities
 * 5) Assessment - adapted for use by lower level learners

The pretest is a Word document but it can be modified to view either as a PowerPoint, a CPS pretest, or a Sentio pretest. This can be given at the end of the unit so students can see how much they've learned.

This introductory worksheet was created with the Word program so everything is customizable to fit your needs. This same Word document has been converted to a SMART Board notebook so students can write the answers on the SMART board. Then you can save the notebook and post it to your class page or print it out for students who were absent.

Once students have learned the basics it is time to practice. This checking account activity was created in the Word program. It can be edited per teacher to create places of businesses within your community so students can have a more authentic experience when writing checks. The dates are also customizable so students are working in the current month and year. This is the key. This is the SMART board version. This activity goes on to teach how to balance the checkbook.

Students are now ready to practice on their own. Using Excel and Word, these are practice transactions, a full page size check register, and monthly statement. Again, each are customizable to fit your purposes.

Karen Farmelo Otto-Eldred Jr. Sr. High School kfarmelo@ottoeldred.org