From playing money-themed math games to learning about budgeting through hands-on activities, students have fun while building practical math skills they can use in real life.
This class provides an engaging introduction to financial literacy, serving as a practical math lab where students strengthen their computational skills and develop healthy money habits.
Weekly Overview:
- Week 1:
Introduction to the Program
Students kick off the session by exploring what money is, the many ways people earn it, and the importance of saving and donating.
- Weeks 2–6:
Learning About Coins
Each week, students get familiar with a different coin — penny, nickel, dime, and quarter — through games and hands-on activities. In Week 4, they’ll discuss the concept of giving, sharing which organization or cause they would choose to support and why.
- Week 7:
Putting It All Together
Students recap what they’ve learned, design their own dollar bill, and play interactive games like a coin dice game and “The Price Is Right” to practice value recognition and trading (e.g., five pennies for one nickel).
- Week 8:
Earning and Spending
Students match coins to their piggy banks and are “hired” for fun classroom jobs with assigned salaries. They’ll then discuss the difference between needs and wants.
- Weeks 9–10:
Grocery Store Simulation
Students use their salaries to participate in a hands-on grocery shopping simulation, making budgeting decisions and practicing smart spending.
- Week 11:
Price Comparison
Through a “High or Low” game, students test their knowledge of prices by guessing whether everyday items cost more or less than the listed price.
- Week 12:
Creative Wrap-Up
To celebrate their learning, students design and decorate their own piggy banks to take home, a reminder of the financial skills they’ve built along the way.
Dates & Times
January 26 – May 11, 2026
3:00-4:00 PM
No Class: February 16, March 16, March 23, and April 6
Program Instructor