Posted on Sep 18, 2006

MURRAY, Ky., Sept. 18 — The Murray State University Center for Economic Education invites teachers of grades 3-5 to participate in a free workshop about the program “Focus: Grades 3-5 Economics.” The workshop will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the McCracken County Board of Education on 435 Burger Rd. in Paducah. Teachers who attend the workshop will receive hands-on training to help them learn of new ways to teach economics. The program includes lesson plans that have been developed to make economics understandable for students in grades three through five. The “Focus” curriculum includes 14 hands-on activities, all of which are included in the guide teachers will receive at the workshop. Simulations, games, stories and role-playing activities are included in the guide to help stimulate every student’s mind and to help teachers illustrate economics in a way their students can enjoy. The curriculum also uses communication and thinking skills to introduce core economic concepts to give students a foundation in essential life skills, such as teamwork, critical analysis and negotiation skills. Best of all, this hands-on training uses free curriculum and there is no charge for attending the workshop. Barry Brown, director of the MSU Center for Economic Education, urges teachers to sign up for the free workshop as soon as possible. Space to join the program is limited and pre-registration is mandatory. To register, email your name, school and grade taught to econed@murraystate.edu. You may also register by calling (270) 809-4277 or by faxing (270) 809-5478. Registration closes Fri., Sept. 22.