SAYVILLE – Sayville Middle School is taking a unique approach to teaching financial literacy through its enrichment program by introducing students to The Stock Market Game, in which students from across the country learn to invest in the stock market using virtual money.
Technology teacher from Sayville Middle School, Mr. Goodman, who has been leading students through The Stock Market Game, told The Messenger that programs like this provide students with a different type of learning experience, allowing them to move beyond traditional classroom lessons and gain real-world financial knowledge.
Students were divided into pairs or teams and given the opportunity to build their own investment portfolios, exploring the world of stocks and investing while managing thousands of dollars in virtual money. The students buy and sell stocks while following real stock market prices, so gains and losses are realistic. In the end, the winner is the one with the highest total portfolio value at the end of the competition, which will be in April.
Mr. Goodman expanded their learning further and had a guest speaker, financial expert Anthony Stella, who works at Ameriprise Financial Services, discuss his career and experience in the world of finance.
One student told The Messenger that learning from Anthony Stella was a great experience. They said some of the best advice he shared was to always use their best judgment when making decisions. Stella encouraged the students to look at the long-term potential of an investment rather than focusing solely on the immediate risks they might face. His approach helped students better understand the importance of patience, research, and thoughtful decision-making when navigating the stock market. It is safe to say Stella’s lessons left a meaningful impact on the students who participated in the program.
Each group used different strategies. One group explained that they would monitor a stock for several days, watching how well or poorly it performed before deciding whether to invest. Another group said they would brainstorm well-known and trending brands at the moment, then research those companies to determine whether investing in them would yield the most money. Some students said they don’t have a specific strategy but instead invest based on gut instinct in major companies. Each group had its own unique approach and creative way of deciding which stocks to invest in, which was impressive to hear.
Prior to participating in the program, many of the students said they had little knowledge of how the stock market worked. One student explained, “My understanding of stocks was practically nothing. I just knew it could be risky; you can make a lot of money or lose a lot of money.”
After taking part in The Stock Market Game, students said they began to realize how complex investing can be. Through building portfolios and researching companies, they were introduced to financial concepts they had never heard of before, with one student noting that he even learned what a Roth IRA is.
Some students said they were surprised to learn that the stock market often experiences more downturns than increases, highlighting how unpredictable investing can be. Throughout the program, students have been closely following companies such as Netflix, Apple, National Grid, Tesla, and Nvidia, enjoying the experience of tracking their performance, whether their investments are gaining or losing money.
Others said that after learning from the experience and hearing from the guest speaker, they could see themselves pursuing a career in finance in the future. What began as a simple classroom activity introduced them to an entirely new field, opening their eyes to the many opportunities within the financial world.
By researching companies, tracking market changes, and discussing strategies with their teammates, students gained a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into investing and financial planning. For some, the program sparked a curiosity about careers such as financial advising, investing, or working within the stock market industry.
Mr. Goodman said his main goal, not only through this experience but throughout his work as a teacher, is to help students realize their potential and encourage them to reach their goals. He believes that exposing students to diverse opportunities can inspire them to pursue paths they may never have considered.
“If you can see it, you can be it,” Goodman said, explaining why he invited a successful financial advisor to speak with the class. By bringing in a professional from the field, he hoped students could see firsthand what a career in finance looks like and better understand the possibilities available to them in the future.
Through this experience, students can step outside traditional classroom learning and explore real-world concepts that could benefit them later in life. Activities like this give students the opportunity not only to build financial awareness but also to encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and curiosity about future career opportunities.