Introduction:

Source (text) Citation:

Viorst, J. (1978). Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday. New York, NY: Aladdin.
Economics Concept (from MN Standards):
Decision Making Model
Definition of this concept you will use/build with students:
Decision Making Model: A set of steps to go through when we have a problem that helps us
make a well thought choice.
MN Economics Benchmark:
4.2.1.1.1 - Apply a reasoned decision-making process to make a choice.
Common Core Literature Benchmark:
4.2.1.1 - Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly
and when drawing inferences from the text.
Rationale (purpose):
By the end of the fourth grade students are expected to make informed decisions based on the
costs and benefits of choices they make to reach a goal. In this lesson we will read a text that
depicts what it looks like to have a long term goal as well as the consequences of making
decisions without considering the costs and benefits. Students will apply an adapted version of
the Engineering Problem Solving model that they have been using in science to compose a well
thought plan that will help Alexander achieve his goal. Due to the ability level of our students,
my Cooperating Teacher felt that the vocabulary of the PACED model would be too advanced
and so we adapted the Engineering Problem Solving model, an already familiar concept, to
mirror the PACED model as much as possible so as to accommodate for our class.
Engineering Problem Solving Plan adapted:
Problem (ask)
Imagine (brianstorm)
Plan (put to paper)
Improve
Content Objectives:
Students will be able to
C1. Use the Engineering Problem Solving model to evaluate Alexanders ability to save/spend
wisely.
C2. Compose a new plan for Alexander using the adapted Engineering Problem Solving Model
to explain and support their reasoning.
Language Objectives:
Students will be able to:

L1. Write a piece of advice for Alexander using content specific vocabulary such as save, cost,
benefit, achieve, and/or goal.
Body of Lesson:
BEFORE Reading Activity: ________________________ (optional)
Literacy Prompts
-

Will you please put your books

away and join me at the front of
the room.
Yesterday we talked about the
Engineering Problem Solving
Model. Do you remember that?
As we read I want you guys to
use Problem Solving Model to
think about the way Alexander is
handling money.

Economic Prompts
-

Can someone remind me of what

weve learned to help us make better
decisions? Write steps on the board.
- Problem: identify our goal or
problem
- Imagine: brainstorm ideas to
solve. What are our choices?
- Plan: What choice can we
make?
- How do we decide which
choice is the best? It needs to
be a reasoned decision. A
choice we make based on all
the information.
- Create: Do your plan.
- Improve: Does it work? How
can we make it better?

DURING Reading Activity: _______________________ (optional)

Literacy Prompts

Economic Prompts
-

Does Alexander have a problem? Yes,

he doesnt know what he should do
with his money. What are some ideas
that others have given him? Are they
good ones? Why? Well lets read to
see what he decides and how he
follows through on his plan.
Why is Alexander making these bets?
Yes, hes trying to earn money for his
walkie-talkies. Turn and talk, is this a
good way to earn money?

AFTER Reading Activity: ____________________ (optional)

Literacy Prompts
-

How does Alexander feel about

saving money? How do you know
that?
Why do you think it is hard?

Economic Prompts
-

Lets look at Alexanders plan.

What was his problem/goal?
What ideas did he come with to try to
meet that goal?
- Lets list some of the choices
he made from the story.
What was his plan?
Did it turn out to be a good plan? Did
his choices help him achieve his goal?
So today we are going to help
improve Alexanders plan.
Lets brainstorm: What are better
ways for to reach Alexanders goal?
Now at your desk go through the
decision making model to make plan
for Alexander to save or earn more
money for a walkie-talkie.

Assessment:
Written Response: Giving Alexander a piece of advice
For this assignment we are going to use the Engineer Problem Solving model to help improve
Alexanders original plan to buy a walkie-talkies. Improved plans should guide Alexander in
such a way that he can effectively earn, save and spend his money.

Closure: Have student share their improvement plans and explain why it is a reasonable plan.
Worksheet Sample: