Using the Berenstain Bears to Teach Economics in the Elementary Classroom
Let’s Make a Movie! Introducing Economics With a Multimedia Project (Chaudhury & Spielmann)
May 25, 2016This paper identifies economic concepts in Berenstain Bears children’s books written by Stan and Jan Berenstain via content analysis. Of the over 400 books in the series, 143 were included in the sample, with economic concepts found in 64 (45 percent). The most common economic concepts found were choices, opportunity cost, human capital, money, and resources. To link research to practice, for each of these concepts, the paper provides examples of how they may be taught in the elementary classroom using specific Berenstain Bears books. A sample lesson plan is also included.
by Erin A. Yetter
Yetter, E. (2016). Using the Berenstain Bears to Teach Economics in the Elementary Classroom. Journal of Economics Teaching, 1(1), 41-70. DOI: 10.58311/jeconteach/64127ae27e95582fae485f6c2556be47a4e2c3b0