Oak Knoll 4th grade teacher Allison Zeiser gives her students lessons on taxes

Note: During this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, we spotlight the work of one local teacher.

Oak Knoll teacher Allison Zeiser’s tax lessons focused on having her students learn to budget throughout the year. As a result, they had to make choices on wants, such as renting a more comfortable chair during class, or buying erasers that Allison provided for purchase with “Zeiser dollars”.

After earning and spending their classroom currency on everything from bonds to rent to financial planning services, students were tasked with completing the full suite of tax paperwork. They had to fill out many forms, decide on whether and where to make charitable contributions and make their deductions accordingly. They then presented their returns to students acting as “IRS” agents for review of accuracy.

The activity gave students a hands-on lesson in financial responsibility as well as the high cost of living and sacrifices that come with it.

Note: Photo of Miss Zeiser with a brain map on her head is from a project where she had a brain surgeon come in and speak to the class before a classroom brain dissection.