The Covid Economy

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: What shapes the economy?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence: 

• The author says that Covid-19 might change our economy in ways that could be painful but also beneficial. What does the author mean by “painful”? How might a change be both painful and beneficial? (By “painful,” the author means causing financial hardship. One example is a reduction in business travel, which could cause financial problems for airlines but be beneficial to companies, as they would spend less on travel.)

• What two points of view are presented in the article about how the pandemic might affect where we live? Which do you think is the stronger viewpoint? Why? (One point of view is that the growing acceptance of remote work will prompt people to leave cities for rural areas, which are more affordable. The other point of view is that, ultimately, the desire to have ideas and talent clustered together will keep people in cities. Opinions will vary.)

• Based on the article, how might a Covid-induced change to the economy have ripple effects on the economy? (Responses will vary. One possible response: More people moving to rural areas will create a new market in those areas for stores and restaurants. That might cause more people to move there, and housing prices might then go up.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Reshaped by Covid-19. Have students complete the organizer to compare and contrast life before Covid with what life may be like after Covid.

4. Writing Prompt
Which of the six predictions for how Covid might reshape our economy do you think would have the biggest impact on everyday life? Which would have the smallest? Explain.

5. Classroom Debate
Should the federal minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

6. Quiz & Skills
Assess comprehension with the quiz.