recreational spending

Objectives

1. To encourage analysis of the costs of a variety of activities

2. To encourage creativity and cost effective solutions in devising alternative entertainment ideas

Discussion

Introduce recreational spending with the following discussion questions:

  • What type of spending could be categorized as recreational?
  • If you are creating a budget, what percentage of your income would you assign to recreational spending? Would this percentage change over time?
  • What role do peers play in your recreational spending?
  • What are fun recreational activities that do not require spending money?
  • What are ways of saving money related to recreational spending?

Activity

At-home alternatives

Length: 1 hour
Materials: Recreational Spending Student Handout

  • In this activity, students will need to come up with an idea for a recreational activity; ideas include bowling, swimming, the movies, etc. Students need to investigate the costs associated with this activity and record it on the Recreational Spending Student Handout.
  • Once this is complete, they will need to come up with a low or no-cost at-home alternative. Challenge students to be creative in this area. Perhaps this may involve bowling with pop bottles in the yard!
  • After the costs for both activities have been calculated the students should compare and determine the total savings.
  • Students may present creative activity ideas to the class if they wish.

Extension

  • Ask students to brainstorm an approximate weekly amount that they spend on recreation. Then, multiply this amount by 52 to determine what is spent over the course of the year. Relating back to the discussion, what percentage of their yearly income is spent on recreation? How might money be saved?

Collaborative Feedback

  • Ask the class to share their ideas from the Extension on how to save money that is spent on recreation. What percentage of income were students spending on recreation?
  • Following the activity, were there any surprises on potential costs or savings related to recreational spending and trying the at-home alternatives?

Teacher Tips

  • Suggest a Recreation Day/Class incorporating several of the at-home alternatives!