In my class, students are involved in “Real World” experiences.  They participate in a classroom economic system where they keep track of a checking account and a checkbook balance.  Students have the opportunity to learn about the pros and cons of using a credit card and quickly realize how interest affects them.  They also have a classroom job that they have the opportunity to create a resume for and interview for a position.  Paychecks are given to the students on a bi-weekly basis with taxes subtracted from their gross income.  In addition, the students pay their property taxes twice a year.  The students try to spend their hard-earned money wisely and save as much of it throughout the year, so they can purchase a variety of goods at the end of the year in our fifth grade auction.