05/10/2026
Welcome to the real world, 5th and 6th grade edition! Students in Ms. VanGennip’s class recently completed a hands-on “Life Project” inspired by the classic board game “Life.” Just like the game, students blindly selected careers for themselves and their spouses, chose how many children they would have, purchased homes within a budget using Zillow, picked vehicles, grocery shopped for their family for an entire month, and decided if they could afford extras like vacations and entertainment.
The project gave students a realistic glimpse into budgeting, bills, and everyday expenses. They quickly discovered how expensive life can be and gained a whole new appreciation for everything their parents provide each day. After successfully navigating “real life,” students will celebrate by getting to play the actual game of “Life!” We are so proud of the lessons they learned and the maturity they showed throughout this project.
