A Bluestocking Guide: Economics

"A Bluestocking Guide: Economics" is a multi-age level book designed to reinforce and enhance a student's understanding of the subject matter presented in the primer "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?" an Uncle Eric book by Richard J. Maybury. "A Bluestocking Guide: Economics" includes additional articles, written at varying reading levels, that expand on the concepts presented in the primer. In addition, it includes Comprehension Questions for each chapter that may include Definition, True/False, and/or Short Answer/Fill-in questions. Answers are located in the back of the study guide. (Note: student answers to some questions/exercises do not always have definitive answers, in which case the notation "answers will vary" will appear.) Application Exercises are also given. Generally, these ask the student to apply the knowledge he/she learned from a given chapter to "real world" situations so that the student may personalize the information and better retain and apply the knowledge gained from the primer.

Application Exercises typically include Discussion, Essay, and Research assignments. A comprehensive final exam is also included. In addition to assisting the student in the retention of the subject matter, the study guide will serve as documentation of course completion.

Time Frame for Study: Bluestocking Guides are organized to allow the instructor flexibility in designing the ideal course of study for the student. Therefore, there is no "right" or "wrong" time frame for covering the material; the instructor should tailor the study of the primer and study guide to the student's unique school schedule, learning style and age. For example, younger students might only complete comprehension exercises in the study guide, whereas older students may complete additional application exercises and suggestions for further reading/study. Ideally, the student should read the chapter from the primer and then immediately answer the corresponding questions in the study guide. For Essay and Research assignments, a project may require several days or weeks to complete. It is best that the instructor preview these assignments to select those most appropriate for the student and the time frame available. An easy-to-apply rule of thumb for determining length of study is to divide the number of chapters in a primer by the number of weeks the instructor plans to study the subject/book. Some instructors may choose to complete the primer in a few short weeks, in which case multiple chapters may need to be covered for each lesson period. Â Others may cover the primer over the course of a semester, in which case only one or two chapters per week will need to be assigned. (Note: Chapter lengths vary, so sometimes a student may easily be able to read more than one chapter per lesson.) The key is to move quickly enough so that the student is engaged with learning and also able to absorb all concepts fully. The student's performance on end-of-chapter Questions and Assignments from the study guide should be a good indication of this.

This guide is 8-1/2" x 11" in size.


Description of the primer, "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy":
Richard Maybury uses historical events from Ancient Rome to explain economic principles. This clearly written book about economics is a remarkably easy and fun explanation of investment cycles, velocity, business cycles, recessions, inflation, the demand for money and more. Essential for every student, businessperson and investor. Recommended by former U.S. Treasury Secretary William Simon. It is also on many recommended reading list.
The primer "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?" is recommended for ages 13 through adult for courses in Economics, Business, Finance, Government and Ancient Rome.

Jane A. Williams is the editor and publisher of the Uncle Eric series of books by Richard J. Maybury. Williams is also editor and publisher of "Capitalism for Kids" by Karl Hess, "Common Sense Business for Kids" by Kathryn Daniels, and co-editor of "Economics: A Free Market Reader" along with Kathryn Daniels. Williams has also written various other Bluestocking Guides for the Uncle Eric series, as well as the "Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane Timetable."