The Young AmeriTowne curriculum includes lessons in eight themes which are mapped to Colorado Content Standards and Personal Financial Literacy Standards as well as to Common Core Standards. Included in these lessons are hands-on activities that teach in a fun, experiential way. All of this learning prepares students for the culminating day where they will run Young AmeriTowne.
When you sign up for a Young AmeriTowne program, you will receive a web link and a password to access the Young AmeriTowne curriculum. Lessons are delivered by teachers at school before students attend Young AmeriTowne. The curriculum includes 26 lessons. Most lessons can be taught in 40 minutes.
Teachers are encouraged to attend a day-long teacher orientation, which will explain program mechanics and will offer ideas for integrating the curriculum into the classroom. Program materials, including student workbooks, student debit cards and parent newsletters are provided at orientation.
Curriculum Themes
Basic Economics
- Economic Process/Free Enterprise System
- Choices and Decisions
- Supply and Demand
Banking
- What is Banking
- How to Manage a Checking Account
Money Management
- Budgeting
- Investing
- Saving
Government
- How Government Works
- Developing Laws
- Voting, Campaigns and Elections
Communications
- Advertising
- Skills Assessment/Job Applications
- Interviewing Skills
Philanthropy
- Ethics and Philanthropy
Business Preparation
Students prepare for their day in Young AmeriTowne by holding staff meetings and training for their Towne positions as Managers, Accountants, Service and Salespeople, Quality Control Specialists, and Media Specialists.
Closing Activities
Conducted back at school, these lessons evaluate business profitability and test concepts learned.
