Unraveling the economy grade school-style

Editor's note: This is another story in a series of visits to Janell Sheets' fourth grade class at Minden Elementary School.

The assignments: Write to President Obama with suggestions about fixing the economy; figure out how to spend $1,000; come up with money-saving tips for kids.

The Record-Courier asked fourth graders in Janell Sheets' class how much they knew about the economic downturn from Wall Street to Main Street.

As it turns out, they know a lot.

"I've always liked to read and watch the news," said Corie Nalder, 10. "I know about the economy and the budget. My parents are always talking about it."

The economy trickles down in practical ways.

"We cut down on going to the movies. When we go to the store now, we just buy the things we need," she said. "Before, sometimes I would get a little toy."

Alex Harker, 10, said the subject comes up at family gatherings like Thanksgiving.

"We always go around the table talking about new things. Everybody was talking about the economy and how it's going down, everybody's losing jobs," he said.

Alex Westre said even though he is only 9, he knows what's going on.

"I know when the economy is losing jobs, losing houses, people don't have enough money and can't afford food," he said.

It's forced a change in spending habits.

"You have to use money really sparingly," he said."You want all those things out there, but you can just use a little money."

These fourth graders welcome the opportunities and challenges.

Belt-tightening has opened a world of possibilities in their eyes.

Among her money-saving tips for kids, Alexis McQuigg, 9, recommended buying wood and building a lemonade stand.

Hunter Richardson, 10, recommended using the library, making your own gifts and turning off the television.

Brandon Thielmann, 10, suggested if you have money, hide it in a secret spot, in your dresser or under the couch.

Nine-year-old Christopher Pina advocated yard sales for bargains and turning off lights.

The fourth graders are hoping for a response from the White House.

Alex Westre closed his very respectful letter to President Obama with a postscript: "If you don't agree with my idea, tell me."

Dear Mr. President:

Don't take this the wrong way, but you see the economy is going down, so I have some suggestions for you. Maybe you can take out the self checkouts because that's a job. Also, maybe you could cut down tax payments just a little. I do agree it is good to send some to Iraq, but maybe just a little less. Please write back and remember, don't take this the wrong way.

Sincerely,

Alex Harker, 10

PS: If you don't agree with my idea, tell me.

Dear Mr. President:

Could you make a clean coal factory and that will bring more jobs? Also, money is tight and my parents are talking all about the economy and taxes. I do know a lot about the economy. Please write back.

From,

Corie Nalder

PS: From a fourth grader, age 10

Dear Mr. President:

I think that you should divide the tax money and not ask for more money than the economy can give. My dad's company is laying off people because the economy is losing money to buy their products. I know about the economy.

From,

Alex Westre, age 9

A fourth grader, Minden, Nevada

Dear Mr. President:

You should split the tax money for different reasons. Or taking out the self checkouts because people will have more jobs.

Sincerely,

Brandon Easley, 10

Fourth grader

Minden, NV

Postscript: Don't take it the wrong way!!

Use the library instead of buying books you'll never read

Go to yard sales

Make your own gifts

Walk or use your bikes instead of cars

Turn off the lights and the television

Buy your own clothes or get clothes on sale

Rent, don't buy

THE TIPS TEAM

Hunter RIchardson, 10

Christopher Pina, 9

Brandon Thielmann, 10

Dylan Goldstein, 9

Alexis McQuigg, 9

Trevor Warren, 10: I would give 400 dollars to put solar panels on stores, I would give 100 dollars to charity, I would give 200 dollars for my family for bills and for what ever they want, 50 dollars for me, 250 dollars for the homeless.

Andrew Tuell, 10: I would give $1,000 or more to my family, Kristen Tuell (Mom) Wayne Tuell (Dad), Megan and Macie Tuell (big sisters). The rest of it I would buy books, camera, a computer and monitor. Or I would buy more stuff for my family.

Mary Weyland, 9: If I had 1,000 dollars, I would give $150 to my mom, give $150 to my dad. I would buy a camera, some books, and CD's. I would get some clothes, blankets and shoes. I would buy clothes and shoes for the rest of my immediate family. With my extra money I would pay to take me to Girl Scout camp. If I had some extra money, I would buy some food.

Natalie Smith, 9: If I had one thousand dollars I would buy a Nintendo. I would buy some books, I would also give my parents, Kaitlyn, Jocelyn, Tyler and Kirsten ten dollars. I would buy supplies for schools. I would give 60 dollars to charities, I would buy my own laptop. I would buy clothes and shoes for me and my families. And if I had extra, I would buy some food.