JA Ourselves®

JA Ourselves uses compelling stories read aloud by the volunteer, along with hands-on activities, to demonstrate helping, working, earning, and saving. Five required, volunteer-led lessons. 

JA Ourselves is a series of five lessons. The average time for each lesson is 60 minutes. Materials are packaged in a self-contained kit that includes detailed lesson plans for the volunteer and materials for students.

The goals and the objectives of the Program are: 

  • Increase the students’ understanding of personal economics
  • Help students discover that individuals make choices
  • Introduce students to money, with an emphasis on earning and saving money
  • Make the students aware of the importance of education for their future

​All JA programs are designed to support the skills and competencies identified by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. These programs also augment school-based, work-based, and connecting activities for communities with school-to-work initiatives. 

Program Concepts

Barter, Benefit, Buying, Choices, Consumer, Costs, Earning, Entrepreneurs, Giving, Goods, Incentives, Income, Money, Resources, Rewards, Saving, Scarcity, Selling, Spending, Voluntary exchange, Wants, Work

Program Skills

Abstract thinking, Coin recognition, Coin valuation, Decision-making, Drawing, Following directions, Interpreting information, Listening responsively, Matching, Responsibility, Sequencing, Teamwork