So the story goes ...

You have finished teaching the preassessment and reality check and are about to begin the city. Now what?

Well before you enter "The City" take some time to plan your journey

Step 1: Set the groups

It is important that you have the students in their character groups to facilitate the activities. If your class is set up as a tribe then proceed to the next step, if not I have a few suggestions that have worked well with my classes.

a) Before starting this module, have students print their name on an index card. Around their name list 3 to 5 people they would like to work with. I usually try to give each student at least one friend to work with and then make up the groups to best fit the activity. Characters are then randomly assigned to each group.

OR

b) As each student enters they are given a picture of one of The City characters (eight different for this activity). The students then find those who share the same character to form a group. OR a variation of this is to give each eight pictures of animals or activities and without showing their picture or speaking find the members of their group.

Step 2: Setting the Stage

Once the groups are set, you need to introduce the background story. Either read or have those students who like to dramatic read tell the story. You could also use the promo DVD. (Follow the link to a short version usable in your class.)

Step 3: Expanding the Story

After the story is read, each group will receive their character profile. Tell each group, they are to expand the profile and fill in the missing pieces -- lifestyle, education, where they shop, what they wear, movies or tv shows they like.  If time and resources permit I have asked them to use pictures and illustrations to emphasis their character.

Often, I will ask them to create a diary on a separate sheet for their character including personal and financial challenges they might face.

They then present their character to the class. Allow for feedback and questioning.

If you have time, use one of the extension activities, I often have them produce a collage (after initial presentation) as well as the diary activity.

Step 4: The Debrief

It is important you assess the level of understanding for each module. A quick assessment using exit cards, the quick quiz (in binder or online), white boards are effective tools to ensure that all understand the setting of the story and the start of the financial journey into "The City".