More Moves Than Kasparov

Despite stiff competition from the Juggling Club, the Get Cheddar Club got its name out among kids at the after-school center's Fair Day the other night.

Boys and girls, black, white and Hispanic, all came by to learn more and to graze on the candy bowl. I'll find out exactly how many students I'll have in a couple days. I'm hoping for a small group, say three to four kids. For a first time around, a small group will allow me to focus on the kids, what they have to say and how they react to the material. After this group, I'll have more experience and confidence to handle a larger group in the spring semester.

My interactions with kids didn't go quite as I'd predicted. They turned out rather shy and downplayed their dance moves while believing I had some. I did have the pleasure of watching a mother and son have the following exchange:

Me (to son): Do you like music?

Son (whispering): Yeah.

Me: Do you like to write songs?

Son shrugs.

Mother (to son): Come on now. We talked about this just the other day.

Son: Mom!

Me (to son): Do you like to dance?

Son looks down at the table.

Son: I guess.

Mom: I guess. Pssht.

Me (to son): You got some moves you can teach me?

Son unconvincingly shakes his head.

Mom: Son, please. You got more moves than Kasparov.

Son smiles.

OK, she didn't say that, but I wish she had.

Mom (to me): What is this club really about?

Me (to Mom, sottovoce): Financial education.

Mom nods and winks, but doesn't encourage him to sign up knowing a parent's recommendation is the kiss of death.

Up next: Teaching six to nine year olds about credit scores.