Lesson Plan
Cash Quest Lesson Plan
Students will learn to earn, save, and budget money through real-world scenario challenges, applying financial literacy skills in a fun, interactive adventure.
Building early financial habits empowers students to make informed money choices, fostering responsibility and future fiscal success.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on group scenarios with guided reflection
Materials
- Financial Journey Worksheets, - Earning, Saving, and Budgeting Scenario Cards, - Cash Quest Reflection Sheet, - Play Money Sets, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and cut out all Earning, Saving, and Budgeting Scenario Cards.
- Print copies of Financial Journey Worksheets and Cash Quest Reflection Sheet for each student.
- Gather Play Money Sets and verify denominations.
- Reserve whiteboard space and markers for class budget tracking.
- Review scenario cards and worksheet instructions to anticipate student questions.
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the lesson as a “Cash Quest Adventure.”
- Display learning goals: earn, save, and budget money wisely.
- Ask students: “What would you do if you had a small job to earn money?”
- Briefly explain how play money and scenario cards will guide today’s activities.
Step 2
Earning Challenge
10 minutes
- Divide class into small groups and distribute one Earning, Saving, and Budgeting Scenario Card per group.
- In groups, students discuss their scenario and decide on a way to earn the amount specified.
- Give each group play money equal to the earned amount.
- Teacher circulates, prompts deeper thinking: “What skills did you use to earn?”.
Step 3
Budgeting Workshop
10 minutes
- Hand out Financial Journey Worksheets and ask students to allocate their earned money into: Needs, Wants, and Savings.
- Students record amounts and write one saving goal.
- Encourage group discussion: “Why allocate more to savings?”
- Teacher monitors and supports budgeting decisions.
Step 4
Reflection & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Reconvene whole class and invite groups to share one budgeting choice and rationale.
- Record highlights on the whiteboard under Needs, Wants, Savings.
- Distribute Cash Quest Reflection Sheet for quick individual responses:
- What did you learn about saving?
- One way you’ll manage money differently.
- Summarize key takeaways and praise responsible decisions.
Slide Deck
Cash Quest Adventure
Embark on a fun, 30-minute journey to learn how to earn, save, and budget money wisely.
Welcome students to the Cash Quest Adventure! Introduce yourself and set a positive tone. Prompt them to get excited about learning how money works.
Welcome & Objectives
Today we will:
- Earn money through real-world scenarios
- Learn to save for a goal
- Create a simple budget
Question: What would you do if you had a small job to earn money?
Read the objectives aloud and explain why each goal matters. Then ask the discussion question and invite 2–3 volunteers to share their ideas.
Earning Challenge
- In small groups, pick an Earning, Saving, and Budgeting Scenario Card.
- Discuss and decide how you would earn the specified amount.
- Collect play money equal to your earnings.
- Share which skills you used to earn your money.
Explain the Earning Challenge steps clearly. Distribute one scenario card and play money to each group. Circulate and ask guiding questions.
Needs, Wants, & Savings
Needs: Essentials you must have (food, shelter, school supplies)
Wants: Things you’d like but don’t need (toys, games)
Savings: Money set aside for future goals (new bike, fundraiser)
Define each category with examples. Encourage students to think of personal examples when you show this slide.
Budgeting Workshop
• Use your play money and worksheet to allocate into Needs, Wants, Savings.
• Write down one savings goal and how much you’ll save each time.
• Discuss in your group: Why is saving important?
Hand out the Financial Journey Worksheets now. Model the first row on the board if needed. Support groups as they allocate amounts.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
• Share one budgeting decision and why you made it.
• Complete your Cash Quest Reflection Sheet:
– What did you learn about saving?
– One way you’ll manage money differently.
• Celebrate responsible choices!
Invite groups to share one budgeting choice and rationale. Record highlights on the board. Distribute reflection sheets and give 2–3 minutes to complete.
Worksheet
Financial Journey Worksheet
Use your Earning, Saving, and Budgeting Scenario Cards and play money to complete the table below.
| Scenario Card | Earned Amount | Needs Amount | Wants Amount | Savings Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| 2 | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| 3 | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| 4 | ________ | ________ | ________ | ________ |
Reflection
- What is one savings goal you want to set? Why?
- How will you use your savings to reach that goal?
- What is one thing you learned about budgeting today?
Activity
Earning, Saving, and Budgeting Scenario Cards
Print and cut out each card. Distribute one per group during the Earning Challenge. Discuss how you would earn the amount shown, then use play money and your worksheet to allocate into Needs, Wants, and Savings.
Scenario Card #1: Lemonade Stand
You set up a lemonade stand on a hot afternoon, selling 20 cups at $0.50 each.
Earned Amount: $10
Scenario Card #2: Dog Walking
You walk a neighbor’s dog for 2 hours at $4 per hour.
Earned Amount: $8
Scenario Card #3: Yard Cleanup
You rake leaves and pull weeds in a yard for 1 hour.
Earned Amount: $15
Scenario Card #4: Pet Sitting
You pet-sit your cousin’s hamster for a weekend.
Earned Amount: $12
Scenario Card #5: Car Wash
You and a friend wash 2 cars at $10 per car.
Earned Amount: $20
Scenario Card #6: Bake Sale
You bake 24 cookies and sell them for $0.75 each at a school fundraiser.
Earned Amount: $18
Worksheet
Cash Quest Reflection Sheet
Name: ____________________ Date: _______________
- What did you learn about saving today?
- One way I will manage my money differently in the future is:
- What is one question I still have about earning, saving, or budgeting?