These suggestions on using realia in the classroom should augment carefully conceived strategies for teaching concepts concerning the consumer in the economy, the consumer in the marketplace, and the consumer's decision-making processes. Realia can bridge the gap between abstract subject matter and functional applications. (BP)

Consumerism is now accepted with dignity, leading to a burgeoning forth of interest in and nationwide approval of consumer education. A creed is presented which offers some suggestions and guidelines by which the consumer educator can evaluate his own effectiveness, modify his criteria for excellence, and continue to make the course relevant. (SC)

Let us develop in our students not only a realistic understanding of the causes and effects of inflation, but intelligent ways to cope with these rising prices that will probably confront them. (Author)

After a brief comment on consumer education as mandated by the State of Illinois, and the resulting teaching strategies, an inservice program for Chicago teachers is described which focuses on people-to-people communications between school teachers and influential leaders in the areas of business, labor, and government. (SH)