Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10 47 Interview with Author, Kelly Rogers LIVE: How did the idea for the book "Aron with One A" come about? KELLY: Currently, I work for a non-profit organization called Consumer Credit Counselign Service of Orange County as the Chief Development Officer. The focus of the organization is providing financial education and counseling to adults. I am also getting my Ph.D. in Educational Studies with an emphasis in cultural and curricular studies. My two worlds collided and gave me the insight to evaluating financial literacy curriculum in public schools. After reading a ton of research I saw a huge gap in implementation of financial literacy material. Also, all of the curriculum used a traditional approach to learning which left a lot to be desired. It lacked reflection, knowledge building and critical thinking. The "Aron with One A" book series is meant to fill this void. I wanted to provide pedagogical approach to learning personal finance that focused on critical thinking and building of prior knowledge of the subject. LIVE: How difficult, or easy, is it to translate budgeting concepts to children so that they understand and are motivated to follow through with these and money-saving activities? KELLY: I think that question is the whole reason our book series works so well. It would be very difficult for Stephanie to translate budgeting concepts for children if it weren't for my background in the subject. Likewise, I would have a difficult time relating such concepts in a child-friendly way. By blending both of our talents and skills, we have created a very child-friendly approach to teaching and learning about money management. LIVE: I'm sure there is a story behind the title of the series, am I right? KELLY: (Big grin!) Well it is no secret that children (and adults) respond to a catchy slogan. While helping to develop this project, I often referred to my personal money memories which involved my older brother Aron. He was my real-life example of how to work hard, save money, and then wisely enjoy the benefits of his efforts. Well, Aron's entire life has been telling people that his name is spelt with one A. Every time he would make a reservation it's always, "Aron- with one A". LIVE: When the young children of today enter the job market of the future, do you believe they will have bigger obstacles to overcome financially than in the past? KELLY: Yes, they will have bigger obstacles. Financial products are changing every day. It's hard to believe that credit cards only became a consumer product 50-60 years ago- which is only about one generation old. Many young people today are having difficulty with credit cards because they see their parents using them so they do too. However, they don't fully understand the tool. Young people just get credit cards right away, but it took years of building credit before their parents could get one. The financial world is changing and young people need to be informed before making financial decisions that could cripple them. LIVE: How have your children and their interests influenced the stories in the "Aron with One A" series? KELLY: I can't imagine creating a story that is not inspired by one's own experiences. Each of the characters in this book series is closely modeled after a member of our families. Therefore, each storyline is influenced by the characters' personality quirks. Having young children definitely helps us strategize the interests and relatability for each of our stories as well. LIVE: How applicable would you say the series could be for adults? KELLY: While the target audience for this series is young children, each concept is directly applicable for adults. For example, our first book about a little girl saving up for something that she really wants, is really a simplified lesson that all of us should be mindful of. Also, there is a family/classroom activity at the end of each book to get the parents involved. So, far parents have told us that that the books have helped them become re-focused about meeting their financial goals and also about including their children in the budgeting process. LIVE: Your website states that the books meet "national standards and guidelines in personal financial management, economics, math and English." Is there a possibility that we may see these books in schools? KELLY: We absolutely hope so! As each story is developed, we take special consideration in addressing the standards for each of the mentioned areas. Thankfully, it already is in several elementary school classrooms, thanks to some very generous fans. LIVE: The character Aron wants to be a doctor when he grows up and saves money to put towards his college education. Is saving for college a continuing theme throughout the series? KELLY: Saving for a variety of life opportunities would be a better example. These books are really designed to help children learn to think about money and recognize how to make smart decisions regarding their money throughout their lives. This month LIVE sits down with author of childrens book, "Aron with One A" Kelly Rogers to talk about her book that is teaching children the importance of financial literacy.