Program Materials

Session One: Understanding Stocks

Students are introduced to the foundational concepts of stocks and the stock market through the analysis of an       authentic, real-time stock market report. Then, they practice selecting stocks from a fictitious market to develop a portfolio.

Objectives:

• Distinguish between private companies and public companies.

• Explain how and why individuals invest in corporations when they purchase stocks.

• Identify why companies issue stock. • Explain how stocks can increase and decrease in value.

• Identify the steps in the process for buying and selling stocks on the stock market.

Main Activity:

• Students discuss the current events impacting the market, explore the basic concepts of stocks and the stock market, and learn how to read a stock market ticker.

Students explore how stocks are traded, how stock prices are affected by current events, and how investors make investment decisions and diversify their portfolios. They are introduced to stock indexes/averages and stock tables, and they practice buying, selling, or holding stocks from their fictitious stock portfolio.

Objectives:

• Determine ways to assess the risks in investing.

• Discuss the impact that economic events have on stock prices and supply and demand.

• Analyze the data in a stock table.

• Practice following the process for buying and selling stocks on the stock market.

Main Activity:

• Students discuss the current events impacting the market, explore stock indexes/averages, and learn the basics of mutual funds. They also learn the four types of stock orders. 

Session Three: Exploring Dividends

Students analyze today’s stock market and explore the concept of dividends. They analyze their fictitious stock portfolio and calculate their dividend payments.

Objectives:

• Analyze how current events are impacting stock prices.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how cash dividends are earned and calculated.

• Evaluate the success of an investment portfolio in relation to market events.

• Refine their process for buying and selling stocks.

• Calculate cash and stock dividend earnings.

Main Activity:

• Students learn that some companies issue dividend payments to stockholders. They also practice reading dividend data from a stock table.

Session Four: Best-in-Class Competition

Students put their new stock market knowledge and skills into practice as they compete to win an in-class competition. This session is designed to be flexible based on students’ grade level and experience, plus the online stock market simulation tool selected by local JA Areas.

Objectives:

• Implement knowledge of how to buy and sell stocks.

• Apply knowledge of how current events can impact stock prices.

• Evaluate the possible trade-off for each stock decision, prior to committing to the decision.

• Communicate and collaborate effectively within a team to successfully implement game strategies.

Main Activity:

• Students compete in teams in a stock market simulation of your choice.

Session Five: Planning for the Future

Students reflect on their experience participating in the in-class competition and/or the JA Stock Market Challenge event and connect the simulations to the real world. They conclude the program by developing their own financial goals. 

Objectives:

• Compare and contrast real versus simulated stock markets.

• Identify various asset classes and assess the risks of each.

• Develop a personal financial plan.

• Reflect on what they learned throughout the program.

Main Activity:

• Students learn about asset classes and the connection between risk and time when selecting types of investments. Students create a personal financial plan that includes investing.