Lindeen brings sketch comedy financial literacy program to Montana middle schools
HELENA — Middle school students across Montana will learn valuable financial literacy skills this week as an award-winning children’s theater troupe tours Montana at the invitation of Montana Securities Commissioner Monica J. Lindeen.
The National Theatre for Children will be performing around the state from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, performing Pennies to Paychecks, a presentation that entertains as well as educates. The presentation comes at no cost to Montana schools.
“This is the fourth year we’ve brought financial theater to communities throughout Montana,” said Lindeen. “These performances teach how money matters apply to everyday life. We think it is essential to be proactive in teaching the value of saving a dollar in a way that is designed to resonate with young people”
During the 40-minute play, comprised of a series of comedic sketches, students learn how to prioritize their needs and wants, the difference between saving and investing, the difference between cash and credit and the importance of forming a savings habit.
While the performance and educational content is completely scripted, the shows are designed to incorporate elements of improvisation and lots of student participation. At the beginning of each scene, actors ask for suggestions from the audience that is then humorously integrated into the show.
The concepts examined in the sketch comedy are reinforced by student workbooks and teacher guides for educators to use in their lessons. Schools also gain access to digital learning materials to supplement their lessons with interactive classroom exercises, quizzes and games based around the program.
The performances will be in Hamilton, Missoula, Frenchtown, Montana City, East Helena, Butte, Dillon and Billings, with complete details below:
Tour Schedule
| Date | Middle School | Town |
|---|---|---|
| 9/28/2015 | Hamilton Middle School | Hamilton |
| 9/28/2015 | Washington Middle School | Missoula |
| 9/29/2015 | Meadow Hill Middle School | Missoula |
| 9/29/2015 | Frenchtown Junior High | Frenchtown |
| 9/30/2015 | Montana City School | Montana City |
| 9/30/2015 | East Valley Middle School | East Helena |
| 10/1/2015 | East Middle School | Butte |
| 10/1/2015 | Dillon Middle School | Dillon |
| 10/2/2015 | Lewis & Clark Middle School | Billings |
| 10/2/2015 | Castle Rock Middle School | Billings |
About NTC
NTC is an award-winning educational content provider whose methods include theatrical all-school assemblies, print and digital curriculum, professional development, extracurricular events and volunteers-in-the-schools. NTC has developed the art of teaching through educational story-telling into a science of its own, and is an international company with operations in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. www.ntccorporate.com