Elrose and Kyle Students Learn Through the Game of Life: Reality Check

The above video features highlights from the "Game of Life: Reality Check," held November 20 at Elrose Composite School.

On November 20, Elrose Composite and Kyle Composite Schools hosted an engaging and educational event as part of the Sun West Career Development program. The event, titled "Game of Life: Reality Check, "aimed to teach Grade 10-12 students about fiscal responsibility through a hands-on simulation involving various local businesses.

Students were given individualized Career Cards based on discussions with their Career Development teacher about their future employment and educational plans. These cards included details such as their prospective job and salary, calculated using average wages in Saskatchewan or current job postings. With these cards in hand, students entered the simulation area, where local businesses had set up booths representing different aspects of adult life.

The booths covered a wide range of life decisions, including, housing, transportation, insurance, groceries, banking, municipal taxes and utilities, fuel and vehicle maintenance, wellness, entertainment, clothing, communications, financial advice and charity.

Students had to make decisions based on their income and the options available at each booth. They also encountered "Life's Surprises," which included both positive and negative unexpected events, such as finding $20 in a winter jacket or losing a week's wages due to illness.

The primary goal was for students to stay within their budget based on their individual wages. While some students managed to live within their means through careful planning, many found it challenging to balance their desires with their financial limitations. This exercise highlighted the importance of prioritizing needs over wants and the necessity of making informed financial decisions.

The event was a collaborative effort, bringing together community businesses and future taxpayers. Elrose and Kyle Schools expressed gratitude to the following participants for their support: Athlete’s Haven, Royal Bank, Prairie Centre Credit Union, Great Plains College, Regal Motors, James Meyers, Chastity Bruce, Lupita Bouclin, Kendra Follet, Layne Lewis. And Debra Campbell

The "Game of Life: Reality Check" was a successful and eye-opening experience for the students, providing them with valuable insights into financial management and the realities of adult life. The event underscored the importance of community involvement in education and the benefits of practical learning experiences.

By participating in this event, students not only learned about fiscal responsibility but also developed essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, negotiation, and budgeting. The day was a testament to the power of experiential learning and the positive impact of community collaboration on student development.

The video below features highlights from the "Game of Life: Reality Check," held November 20 at Elrose Composite School.

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