SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83 (NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP)
Students Learn About Budgeting with Hands-On Project

With some help from Save On Foods, South Canoe's Grade 5/6 students had an opportunity to practice some hands on budgeting.

Jenna Elidoros' Grade 5/6 class at South Canoe Elementary - Outdoor Learning Program recently collaborated with Save On Foods for a hands-on budgeting project that integrated multiple areas of learning. This cross-curricular initiative combined mathematics, science, social studies, and core competencies to provide students with real-world financial literacy experience.

In math, students applied their knowledge of decimals and percentages to calculate costs, compare prices, and incorporate tax on packaged versus non-packaged items. In science, they explored healthy food habits by assessing the nutritional value of their choices. Social studies lessons focused on the history of grocery stores and how Canada's relationship with food and shopping differs from other countries. Additionally, core competency principles such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration were at the forefront as students worked together in a community setting.

The objective of the project was for students to plan a grocery list based on healthier food options, shop for their items, and ensure their total came as close to $93.75 as possible without exceeding it. The results were impressive - one group achieved a total of $93.26, while another came in at $93.25, demonstrating remarkable precision in budgeting.

Save On Foods was an outstanding community partner, providing the class with dedicated checkout lanes where students could practice communication skills and independently complete transactions. This hands-on learning opportunity not only supports intellectual development, a priority in the SD83 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, but also creates a meaningful and practical learning experience with the support of Save On Foods, equipping students with valuable financial and decision-making skills for the future.