Our NewtonsWindow Math-Bags turn this into a fun activity complete with "persona" cards - a variety of crazy characters that kids (of all ages and abilities), and a whole bunch of their very own tax forms. Math and taxes, now we're into some fun stuff! |
Grades 6-8: Tax-Time! Middle school students really are in the middle. Halfway between childhood and adulthood, they long to be considered grown-up. They copy adult clothing, adult language, and adult habits. Their longing sometimes leads them to copy some that are less-than-desirable. With a little ingenuity, we can offer them a good one. What they see adults doing, they want to do. We can take a cue from this and package a terrific mental exercise into a "grown-up" package. But as with all great ideas, adapt it to your own child, and your own situation. Remember that if it seems like you’re suggesting an "enrichment exercise," they’ll run the other way. The exercise? One that grown-ups dread: tax returns. To an adult, a tax return is a tedious chore, a reminder of how much money we must part with, and an anxious time of tracking down all relevant records. But remove all that and you have one splendid word problem, and one you can adapt to the age and level of your child. There is no need to use actual numbers. Feel free to make up numbers and a fictitious situation. It can be fun to give your son or daughter an imaginary persona - and the numbers that go with it. Get creative: a wealthy slumlord has to fill out a Schedule E and report how much (or how little) he spent on repairs - a famous chef has to deduct food and electricity and wages from her gross profits on Schedule C. These results carry over to the basic 1040 form, and give your child an opportunity to follow the steps to a final result he will find intriguing. Even if you use an accountant or a tax program for your own taxes, encourage your child to use good old-fashioned brain power. Next time you’re at the public library or the post office, pick up an extra set of forms for your child. You will be surprised to discover what a thrill those dreaded forms can provide. This is one of many activities we have included in our NewtonsWindow Math-in-a-Bag, replete with persona cards, tax forms, and suggestions and ideas. |
