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NTTI WNET
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IdahoPTV
LIVING
WITH ROOMMATES
by Shawna Frisbee
University of Idaho
ITV SERIES RIGHT ON THE MONEY
GRADES 10 - 12
OVERVIEW
This lesson takes a look at what to look for in a rental, advantages and disadvantages to renting, the importance of renters insurance, and obtaining a copy of a lease form.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
MATERIALS
- VCR
- Television
- Computers
- Internet Access
- Paper
- Pencils
- Newspapers
PREVIEWING ACTIVITIES
Discussion on how to set out to find a roommate and what decisions need to be made when selecting a roommate.
FOCUS FOR VIEWING
To give students a specific responsibility while viewing they will need to write down five questions about renting an apartment.
Viewing Activities
START the video when the host says, "How they all came to live together is quite a story." PAUSE the video when host says "The landlord accepted this arrangement as long as the rent was paid on time." Discuss with students if they think this is ok or not. Discuss why or why not this arrangement is acceptable.
RESUME video and PAUSE when Rajeev says "So the building has been pretty safe, so we figured we might as well just leave it." Discuss with students if they think renters insurance is important or not. Chart answers on board or overhead. Ask students what renters insurance would cover.
RESUME the video when the interview with Janet Portman begins and stop the tape when the interview concludes. Discuss with students the seven tips Janet gave for renting an apartment.
POST VIEWING ACTIVITIES
Students will be assigned to groups as "roommates" and role play the steps in finding an apartment. Using the want ads they will determine what is available, if it is in their price range and will take the steps to obtain a lease agreement.
The roommates will also need to develop a written plan as to how they are going to divide up the costs of sharing the apartment, chores, who will be responsible for what and how they will resolve disagreements.
ACTION PLAN
Students will contact and interview an apartment manager on suggestions on what they look for in an apartment, a lease, a tenant and a landlord.
EXTENSIONS
There are some great web-sites for advice about renting an apartment and the rental process. As an additional activity students can explore the following sites:
http://www.realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtcpages
/19981209_8tips.htm
www.metlife.com/Lifeadvice/Purchases
/Docs/rentaptlinks.html
For additional lesson plans and ideas relating to this topic and many others try TeacherSource at PBS Online! You will find activities, lesson plans, teacher guides and links to other great educational web sites! Search the database by keyword, grade level or subject area! Mathline and Scienceline are also great resources for teachers seeking teaching tips, lesson plans, assessment methods, professional development, and much more!
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