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Interactive Internet Game Activity
"Pay Yourself First" may be a little difficult to understand when you first hear it. However, read the overview of "Planting a Money Tree." Young people have often heard that money does not grow on trees. However, money can grow like trees. Students will learn more about this as they complete these activities.

Learning Objectives
· Understand the concept of "Pay Yourself First"
· Classify thoughts and ideas
· Perform mathematical calculations

Assessments
Students will: (1) Compile a list of items on which a person can spend money, (2) Categorize a list of items based upon similarities, (3) Solve mathematical problems based upon given scenarios.

Classroom Activities
1. Pay Yourself First: Planting a Money Tree - Give yourself plenty of time to discuss the overview information. (Don't hesitate to use the classroom discussion questions below.) The "Pay Yourself First' concept should become much clearer after this lesson.
2. P.Y.F. Investments - Students will complete the "Pay Yourself First" (P.Y.F.) Investment crossword puzzle. This activity can be completed and corrected individually or can be a small group assignment. If completed as a small group, allow students time to complete it individually and then give them one crossword puzzle upon which to write their group's answers. Have students correct their individual puzzle with a pen color not previously used. This will give you the opportunity to help students who have not mastered the required math skills.
3. You Make the Call - Have students come up with a list of things that people use money for. First, have every individual student make a list. Then, go around the classroom having students contribute ideas from their individual list and write those ideas on the board. Once you have compiled this list, pass out the activity chart entitled: "You Make the Call." Have students take the list and divide each entry into one of the columns on the chart.

Class Discussion Questions
1. As you plant your money tree, how will you take care of your tree?
How much water will you give your tree? (How much do you plan to save for a tough
financial time?)
What kinds of seeds will you plant? (What kind of investments will you make?)
How will you nurture your tree? (Do you have a favorite charity?)
If yes, why are you interested in that particular charity?
If no, it's time to learn more about charities. You can do this by going to the library,
surfing the web or reading the newspaper or magazines.

(Charts and activity sheets continue in the downloadable PDF file above.)