Gilford feels that it would be unpatriotic to waste food during war times. Use the following guide to discuss and clarify each of the answers. Ask students to work in pairs to complete the activity or do the activity together as a class. Give a copy of Activity 1 to each student. Read chapter 1, 'Turnips,' to the class.

It will also be fun to see how family spending decisions might be the same in 1944 as they are in 1998. Emphasize that the time period (over 50 years ago) and the fact that the book takes place during world War II may mean that Molly and her family have some saving and spending decisions that may be different from theirs. Tell students that they will read the book together over the next few weeks. Allow students time to look at the pictures and note the age of each of Molly's siblings. Read the brief overview of the story on the inside cover (paperback version) and the descriptions of Molly's family and friends found in the opening pages. Explain that you thought it would be fun to look at the kinds of saving and spending decisions that children and families had to make over 50 years ago in 1944. Introduce the book Meet Molly, An American Girl.Ask them to name things for which they think their parents might save. Ask students to name some things for which they might save. Emphasize that when people save, they are putting off spending now so that they will have enough for something they want in the future. Define spending as using money to purchase a good or service now. Write 'Spending ' and 'Saving' on the board. Explain that the class will look at the kinds of decisions people must make when they decide to spend money.One or more copies of Meet Molly, An American GirlĬopy of Activities 1, 2, 3, and 4 for each student Time Required: eight to ten class periods

explain that opportunity cost is the nextbest alternative you give up when a choice is made. analyze tradeoffs between spending and saving in 19.ģ. Instructional Objectives: (Students will be able to:)Ģ. Related Subject Areas: social studies, reading, English Personal Finance Concepts: saving, spending, opportunity cost The last activity, 'American Factories Go to War' utilizes the nonfiction excerpt in the back of the book to help students understand the large amount of saving that took place during the war because of consumer good shortages. After chapter 2, students complete 'Halloween Opportunities,' an activity that stresses the similarity between saving and spending decisions in 19 and that teaches opportunity cost.

After reading chapter 1, students complete an activity designed to focus on the reason for Victory gardens in 1944. The book is the first in a series of six books that feature Molly in 1944 America. The lesson uses Meet Molly, An American Girl, by Valerie Tripp. Description: Students look at saving and spending decisions in 1944 through the eyes of Molly, a nine-year-old growing up during World War II.

Molly Saves the Day by Valerie Tripp