Teaching Kindergarten the Importance of Money With 13 Questions

A comfortable home, an ample supply of nutritious food, and access to clean water—all of these are basic necessities that humans need to survive and thrive. To afford these, one relies on money.

Money is a valuable resource that can be used in exchange for goods and services one needs and desires. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce kindergarten students to the importance of money and wise money management, which is one of the essential life skills for kids. By equipping kindergartners with financial literacy skills, they become effective self-managers who make informed decisions, establish responsible habits, and prepare for their future financial well-being.

This evidence-based SEL lesson helps kindergartners understand their money’s worth by engaging them in a stimulating class discussion facilitated by a series of thought-provoking questions. For example, students answer what they think money is, where it comes from, and how much is a lot of money. The teacher then explains the answers to each question. By the end of the discussion, students understand that money is used to buy things they need. They recognize that money is a product of hard work and diligent effort, emphasizing the importance of being prudent and disciplined in spending money.

The final part of the lesson is an activity that allows young learners to create 'play' money. In the next lesson, they will use these to participate in another SEL activity involving pretend stores and items to buy.

Schools are responsible for introducing kindergarten students to the value of money and wise money management. Imparting this knowledge and skills to young learners is a great investment in their future. It helps children understand the value of resources, encourages saving and goal-setting, and cultivates essential self-management skills.