From the same author as MasterBooks’ Mathematical Reasoning course, this Consumer Math course covers a wide array of finance-related topics and “adulting” skills that every high schooler should know. Each lesson includes explanations about the topic, along with examples, key terms, sample calculations, illustrations, and helpful charts, all in clear, plain language. After finishing this course, your student will be able to apply basic math skills to a variety of situations they will encounter as an adult. The curriculum aims to cover not just the how, but the why of our financial decisions.
Topics: Consumer Math teaches an impressive list of topics divided up into 4 quarters. The first quarter includes the big-picture principles of living expenses, giving, saving, and taxes. In the second quarter, topics include budgeting, medical expenses, and budgeting for big expenses. The third quarter includes how to make financial decisions regarding cars and housing and how to prepare for a career. The fourth quarter goes into more depth in savings accounts, business math/taxes, and applying math skills to daily life.
In a typical week, your student will read approximately 7-10 pages from the textbook and complete 7-8 pages in the workbook. Everything is open-and-go, with the student reading the lesson and completing the day’s questions or calculations. Many of the lessons include a “Case Study” where the author shares a story that illustrates the principles of the lesson.
If your student would benefit from video instruction, MasterBooks does sell a self-paced, online course for Consumer Math through their website. ~Tara