Student Reflections from Poverty Simulation

Some fellow teachers asked me to get some feedback on the Poverty Simulation.  Students wrote on Post-It notes then posted their responses on the wall.  I'll put pictures of some of them up here, then quote some others.  The following are some good ones I felt I should share.

Basic Observations:

"Through the simulation we learned how to manage money and how hard it is for families in poverty to come up with funds for everyday needs"


"Having to decide whether or whether not to get cell phone service, not having unlimited amounts of food to give."

"Most people in poverty have to give up things to save/help their family."

"I found it was hard to survive on only a few hundred dollars a month and especially with a big 'family.'"

"Adults have more responsibility than we think."

"It was challenging having to sacrifice certain things in order to keep our money and stay alive."

"We realize that we have to learn to be smart with money and it showed that it's hard to live off of minimum wage."

Digging a Little Deeper

Interesting possible adjustment- have slightly different levels of pay. 

There you go parents, no thanks necessary. :)

More variables (more sick kids, repairs, etc) would be an excellent adaptation if time allows.

Hopefully most students were able to realize how good they have it.  And those in poverty now know that their classmates have a small idea of what its like.

The "It Won't Improve Your Grade, But It Will Get You on the Blog" File

And the "I'm Just Going to Leave This Here and Walk Away" File