Stock Market Game Starts Next Month For BCPS Students, Families

TOWSON, MD —Starting next month, families with students in Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) are invited to participate in The Stock Market Game, a simulated investment activity that teaches kids the fundamentals of personal finance and investing.

The game is free, will be offered online and will last from April 5 to June 4. Children in elementary school, middle school and high school can take part in the activity. Though children can participate alone, it is recommended they work as part of a two-to-five person team, perhaps with other family members.

BCPS Parent University is sponsoring the activity along with the Maryland Council on Economic Activity and First Financial Federal Credit Union, which is covering all team fees.

In the game, families/teams are asked to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in listed stocks and mutual funds and work together to maximize the return on their portfolios.

According to The Stock Market Game website, the activity will allow children to practice math, English language arts, economics, social studies and other subjects. Children also will gain experience analyzing and making decisions, exploring the consequences of their choices and seeking new ways to strategize for success. All while having fun.

"We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our families," said Susan Hahn, program specialist and coordinator of BCPS Parent University. "This is a unique learning activity that teaches important lessons about economics. We are so appreciative that First Financial Federal Credit Union, a great partner to BCPS, has agreed to pay fees for all BCPS participating families. No experience is required. Families will learn as they go using provided resources."

A tour of the game and directions for registration are available online. Registrants will receive an email from the Maryland Council on Economic Education welcoming them to the game and offering tips on entering IDs and passwords and a pathway to the teacher/parent resource center and student activity packet.