It is important that we start teaching children finance early on, so they can learn how to save, plan for the future, and feel comfortable talking about money. Megan Mergener Stock Club Teacher
Chicago City Day School launched a unique after-school program this winter — a class that teaches students in grades 3 through 8 about the stock market.
The Stock Club, as the program is known, is led by a group of professionals who have extensive real-life experience in finance and investing.
"Financial literacy is a critical life skill that many adults still find daunting," said Elizabeth Browne, one of the program's leaders. "I wanted the students to have access to the language of finance in a team- and game-based format that would build comfort and mastery while allowing them to have fun with their peers."
The Stock Club offers participants the chance to discuss and learn about concepts not always taught in elementary school. During early sessions of the class, students played games that centered around concepts like saving and trading. Students have also discussed the difference between private and public companies, and what it means to invest.
Ms. Browne, who has an MBA and leads a private equity investing business, brought the idea of an after-school Stock Club to City Day administrators. The program aligns with the school's existing stock-market unit, which sixth-graders complete in computers class.
Like other after-school programs, the Stock Club gives students in different grades a chance to work together. The adults leading the program make sure that their lessons and activities are age-appropriate.
"It is important that we start teaching children finance early on, so they can learn how to save, plan for the future, and feel comfortable talking about money," said Megan Mergener, another of the Stock Club's leaders. Ms. Mergener has an MBA and nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Thomas Stone, a chartered accountant and entrepreneur who is helping to lead the club, added that financial literacy is "undertaught" in many parts of the world.
"Girls, in particular, are differently socialized around the topic of money and finance, and this is a way for us to do something about that, albeit in a small way," Mr. Stone said.
The Stock Club meets once a week, and wraps up in mid-March. It is one of many after-school programs that City Day students can choose from each fall, winter, and spring. See more photos from early sessions below.
(Related reading: City Day after school — skating, baking, and more!)
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