Playing FETCH!

Posted by: Reggie  Brewington, Jr., CPA

In another life, I think I would have been a teacher. Having the opportunity to teach, direct, and lead someone at such a malleable age is a privilege that is often undervalued. Every now and then I get to work with kids and I always appreciate their energy, enthusiasm, curiosity, and blatant honesty. It’s refreshing.

Last week, some of my co-workers and I went to Kenston Intermediate School in Chagrin Falls to play FETCH! The FETCH! Program is designed by the Ohio Society of CPA’s to provide Financial Education to Children and Teach them Healthy habits and basic money management skills so that they are better equipped to make responsible decision as adults.

The game is set in a dog park where a team of students own a pet dog that they have to take care of. The kids have to save up the money to purchase a collar, leash, bone, and bowls for food, all the essentials as a dog owner. As the children move through the game, they encounter obstacles that either cost them money or put a little cash in their pocket.As the kids play the game they learn about the costs that come with owning a pet and why it is important to save money for purchases, unexpected costs, and to avoid debt. The team that collects all four items and has the most money left in their savings account wins.

The Zinner teamscovered the two 5^th grade classrooms of Mrs. Bonnie Bernstein & Mrs. Karen Bechtel.  It was interesting to see all of the different personalities and trust me; fifth graders have a LOT of personality. The kids were a lot smarter than I expected. They knew a lot of the financial terms we asked them about and in some instances, probably told us a little bit more about the family finances than their parents might have wanted to. You can’t fault them for being honest.

I think we all had a really good time interacting with them. I particularly enjoyed hearing about their aspirations for the future. I hope they all reach their goals whether it’s playing in the NHL, the WNBA, being an actress, a stuntwoman, an engineer, or a master Lego builder. If you’re wondering, you have to be able to build a Chewbacca out of Legos in three days in order to be a master, not four, not five days, three days.

Our time at the school was brief, but well worth it. Check out some candid pictures from the day below.