Eight Essential Middle and High School Classes

Prepare, prep, learn, study, practice, and then we begin it again the next day.  We all share the goal of educating and informing our children to help them prepare for the next stage in their life. Yet, so often, children step into daily life without the necessary tools.

Consider this, before a teenager can receive a driver’s license they read a book, take a quiz, practice, take a class, practice some more, complete an eye test, pass a road test - and even then they have a license with limits. But what about a credit card? A car loan? A presentation?

Upon turning eighteen a credit card, car loan and work presentation each become a possibility. What do students use to guide their decisions when they turn eighteen and the world of credit, contracts, jobs, and college begins?

The milestone “firsts” that each of us experienced were often done with limited to zero guidance. All too often “life lessons” are learned shortly after the fact. After the car loan or credit card charges - the focus is on how to ‘find the money’ or fix the credit report.  But, this does not need to be the experience for our students. 

Life is a series of strategic decisions. In this way, life is a game of decisions. Those that understand the topics are more likely to make effective, informed decisions. Isn’t that true with anything? Have you considered what your different choices may have been “if you only knew then what you know now”?  For me, it would be saving money. Just a small amount of $20 each week could have allowed for that dream home.

Consider this idea, students 12 to 16 years of age do very well with reciting the multiplication facts because they were taught the concept. Students in this age range also read with ease once they are taught the skill. But, how would this same student do if presented with a credit card application? Would they complete the form with confidence?  Do they understand the terms and consequences they are agreeing to with the application? Could the student accurately reply as to how much they have to earn to afford credit card payments? Or a car loan?  

This idea has motivated me for the past 15 years. I wanted to bring this understanding to not only my children but all children.  Educated, prepared decisions allow for the most life happiness. My goal is to share the “rules” of daily life so students can best choose their future life path.

The eight key life categories that provide an essential foundation:
Essential Topic 1: Credit Cards
Essential Topic 2: The Stock Market
Essential Topic 3: Budgeting Real Costs
Essential Topic 4: Wages and Taxes
Essential Topic 5: The Credit Report
Essential Topic 6: Conflict Resolution
Essential Topic 7: Improv, Meaningful Responses
Essential Topic 8: Marketing Strategy

These eight topics provide a foundation for future life confidence and success. At Y.M.B.A. (www.YMBAgroup.com) these ideas are taught in learning workbooks and live virtual classes focused on the discussion using examples students 12 to 16-year-old students enjoy. We invite you to choose from any one of the eighty topics and begin learning today the topics for tomorrow.