Each student will receive a pay check. The amount is determined by adding the student's last ten grades together, assuming all ten grades do not exceed one thousand. The families should ideally have 3 members. Families with less than 3 or more than 4, do not get an accurate picture of budgeting in this exercise. I generally allow the students to chose their own families.
Natural selection seems to take place and the activity emphasizes the necessity to work hard.
I do not compensate students who have been absent and have low paychecks since in the workplace many people do not have paid sick leave. Of course, in specials cases of long-term illness, etc., I have enhanced the check some. However, if the exercise is to be a true life lesson, the enhancing of checks should be kept to a minimum. Once the checks are distributed, the families can then begin to work their way through the exercise outlined on the assignment worksheet. I use this time to interject help and suggestions.