Economics is one area that I feel a little inadequate in. Before reading Simply Put: A Study in Economics, I really didn’t know what all economics entailed. Now I have an idea and I look forward on expanding on that.

I have no recollection of what was taught in my high school economics class. So, when the opportunity came up to review Simply Put: A Study in Economics, I jumped on it.

Having two students in junior high who are inquisitive about the world around them also added to my enthusiasm when this book came up for review. I want to be able to answer their questions as well as to have meaningful discussions with them.

Once I received it, I began reading it immediately. I planned on using it with the kids right off, but after reading the first few lessons on my own, I decided to continue reading the whole book before we read it together.

I am glad I did. I had so much fun reading and I was happy to find that a lot of Catherine’s references and book recommendations were already on our book list from the Robinson Curriculum, so they were readily available.

A few books she recommends are:

•   The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
•   Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt
•   Lessons for the Young Economist by Leslie P. Murphy

 

Catherine Jaime, the author, has made the task of learning economics fairly simple and easy to understand. The suggestions she gives to further your learning are invaluable.

She offers websites such as fee.org which has a boatload of information on economics and also recommends izzit.org for a few DVD titles.

One great aspect of the book that many will appreciate is that the lessons are short. There is just enough information in each lesson not to make your head spin.

There are 36 short lessons and questions to go along which is a great way to review what is learned.

Lessons include topics on:

• The role of prices – This is where most of my economic understanding was encapsulated, and it is only lesson two! I really didn’t know how broad this subject was and I am a little embarrassed to admit that.
• Elasticity of demand
• Standard of living – I liked how this chapter clarified the standard of living with true wealth; most confuse money for wealth. You’ll have to read it to find out more.
• Division of Labor
• Capitalism vs. socialism/communism
• What’s fair?
• Competition vs. monopolies
• Minimum wages – Catherine recommends an article which I found to be enlightening. Why? Because it really opened my eyes as to the importance of putting a value on skills individually and not as a whole. It explained what my heart already knew and therefore confirmed that position by giving reasons as to why this position is best.
• Too big to fail?
• and more…

Included also are midterm and final exams, an appendix and a glossary.

You will find the answers to the midterm and final exam questions in the teacher’s key along with an economics game.

Simply Put: A Study in Economics is equivalent to a half-credit in high school economics.

When it was time to read this with the kids, I opted to read it first thing in the morning before their regular studies. I read the lesson and I have them answer the questions orally. We discuss the topic and I answer any questions that they might have, letting them know that I am learning right beside them.

I have found that what is going on in today’s world makes it easy to give real-life examples. It is amazing how we still refuse to learn from the past. Needless to say, this was also a great way to reiterate the importance of learning world history. Did you know the Pilgrims tried communism? Me neither!

As stated earlier, Catherine gave resources to encourage you to dig deeper. When we come to a lesson with one of these footnotes, we stop to watch a video or read an article.

When doing this course, please do not omit the video and article recommendations. They help to cement what was taught in the lesson. They really do add value.

Simply Put: A Study in Economics has definitely given me that push that I needed to learn more about economics. I plan on reading the works of Bastiat, Hazlitt, Sowell and others.

Where to Buy Simply Put: A Study in Economics

You can find Simply Put: A Study in Economics at:

• Amazon in paperback for $17.55
• or for your Kindle for $6.99
• and at Currclick as a download for $6.99 $2.10 until Dec. 8th for Cyber Monday Week.

The teacher’s key can be found at:

• Amazon in paperback for $5.03
• or for your Kindle for $0.99
• but is included with the download at Currclick.

All prices are current at the time of posting.

 

 

Now For The Giveaway

Catherine has allowed me to give a digital copy (pdf) of both the student book and the teacher key for Simply Put: A Study in Economics. Enter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Another Giveaway? Yes, a Mega Giveaway!

This is a fantastic giveaway. Not only are you getting Simply Put: A Study in Economics, but you will also receive every title from Catherine Jaime. Wow! And, on top of that you will also receive a 3-month subscription to A+Tutorsoft in the grade level of your choice. The total retail value for this giveaway is $325+!

Here is a full list of the digital ebooks the winner will receive!

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     Good luck!

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveawayBlessings,

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