Objective

By the end of this lesson, Jordan will have a comprehensive understanding of the basics of filing taxes, including key vocabulary, practical skills, and the importance of financial literacy. Jordan will also develop critical thinking and logic skills through engaging activities that connect tax filing to real-life scenarios.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Access to a computer or tablet for research
• Printable tax forms (mock forms can be created for practice)
• Flashcards for vocabulary words related to taxes
• Cooking ingredients for a budgeting activity
• Materials for a visual presentation (poster board, markers, etc.)

Before the lesson, ensure that Jordan has a basic understanding of money management concepts, such as income, expenses, and savings. Prepare mock tax forms that can be filled out during the activities.

Activities

• Vocabulary Flashcards:

  Create flashcards with key tax-related terms such as "deduction," "exemption," "refund," and "W-2." Jordan will practice spelling these words and use them in sentences to understand their meanings.

• ASL Vocabulary Practice:

  Jordan will learn the American Sign Language (ASL) signs for key terms related to taxes. This will help reinforce his learning through a different medium and improve his communication skills.

• Mock Tax Filing:

  Using the printable tax forms, Jordan will go through a simplified version of filing taxes. He will fill out the forms using hypothetical income and deductions, helping him understand the structure and process of tax filing.

• Cooking on a Budget:

  Jordan will plan a meal with a budget of $20. This activity will teach him how to manage money and prioritize spending, similar to how one must budget when filing taxes.

• Critical Thinking Scenarios:

  Present Jordan with various scenarios related to taxes (e.g., receiving a bonus, starting a side job) and ask him to think critically about how these situations would affect his tax filing. This will enhance his problem-solving skills.

• Visual Presentation:

  Jordan will create a poster that outlines the steps to file taxes, including important deadlines. This will reinforce his understanding and allow him to present his knowledge creatively.

Talking Points

• "Filing taxes might seem complicated, but it’s just a way for the government to collect money to pay for things we all use, like schools and roads."
• "Understanding tax vocabulary is important. Can you tell me what a 'deduction' is? It’s money you can subtract from your income to lower your tax bill!"
• "Why do you think it’s important to keep track of your income and expenses? It helps you understand how much money you have and how much you can spend."
• "If you were to earn money from a job, what kind of taxes do you think you would have to pay? Let's think about income tax and maybe sales tax."
• "How would you feel if you received a tax refund? It’s like getting a bonus for being responsible with your money!"
• "What do you think would happen if someone didn’t file their taxes? It’s important to follow the rules to avoid penalties!"
• "Can you think of a time when budgeting was important in your life? Just like budgeting for a meal, you need to budget for taxes!"
• "Remember, learning about taxes now will help you be more prepared when you start earning money. It’s a valuable life skill!"