Penny for your thoughts?

I was sub teaching for a terrific 2nd grade class.  As part of our social studies lesson the teacher had copies of Time for Kids for each student.  I had never heard of this publication but it makes sense - kids need to be aware of world and national events explained at their level.  We had the Feb. 8, 2013 edition, Time for Change?

The students read the article about the penny and whether or not it should stop being produced.  The article simply presents both sides of the discussion.  After we read the article I asked the students to vote whether or not to keep the penny.  It was 25 to 5 to keep the penny.

Next the students stood on opposite sides of the classroom depending on how they voted.  We called those for the penny, "Penny Lovers", and those against, "Penny Killers".

I asked students on each side to state why they were for or against the penny.  It was interesting to see how many students made their decision without having a real reason.  The main reason the students didn't want to lose the penny is because they would miss it.

After several students on each side were given an opportunity to speak everyone went back to their desks.  I asked the students to raise their hand if they bought lunch that day.  About half had.  I then asked how many students brought in dollars and coins to purchase their lunch.  None had.  They had all used their account.  We talked about our parents and how often they use dollars and coins rather than debit cards.  Most use debit cards on a regular basis.

I encouraged the students to talk to their parents about the penny and whether it should stay or go.  The next day we talked about the conversations with their parents about the penny.  Some were surprised that their parents voted differently than they had.  Many parents had not heard that anyone was considering doing away with the penny.

The students liked "teaching" their parents about the issue.  I will definitely use www.timeforkids.com in my classrooms in the future.  If I have access to technology, the videos would be great also!