Kindergarten-Second Grade
Show Me the Money
An introduction to the coins and dollar bills that make up our currency
In this first module, students are introduced to coins and dollar bills. They learn to identify the different coins and bills that make up our currency, their names, and their values. After mastering these basics they work together to combine various bills and coins and how to add up a total amount.
Session 1: Know Your Money
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To identify the different US coins and main parts of a dollar bill.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Session 2: How Much?
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To learn how to combine the correct amount of coins and bills to pay for an item.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Take home activities
Earn Your Keep
Make the connection between working and earning money
In this section, students learn to make the connection between working and earning money and how this enables one to buy the goods necessary for everyday life. Together, students also brainstorm jobs in the community and discuss the difference between earned and gifted income.
Session 1: Earning a Buck
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To identify the difference between earned and gifted income and identify tasks they can complete to earn money.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Session 2: Jobs In Our Community
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To understand that jobs produce income.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Take home activities
Smart Spending
The vital lesson of distinguishing between needs and wants
In this section, students learn what is arguably one of life's most important lessons: how to distinguish between needs and wants! Distinguishing between the two helps students learn how to spend and save accordingly. Later in the lesson they will put this knowledge to use as they create budgets for both daily shopping and long-term goals.
Session 1: Do You Really Need It?
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To distinguish between needs and wants and prioritize them appropriately.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Session 2: Let's Go Shopping
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To understand what a budget is and its importance.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Take home activities
Save It
How a bank keeps money safe and why it's important to save
It is hard to save money without a safe place to store it! In this lesson, students learn how a bank keeps money safe. Why save? Students discuss their goals and make a financial plan on how to achieve them through responsible saving of their money.
Session 1: Safe To Save
Duration: 20 minutes
Objective: To learn the importance of saving money and to be able to identify safe places to save money.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Session 2: Reaching Your Goal
Duration: 40 minutes
Objective: To learn both what a goal is and how to set one.
Downloadable materials (pdf)
Presenter outline
Classroom activities
Take home activities