Lesson Plan
Check It Out Lesson Plan
Students will learn how to write and fill out a check by identifying its key components and practicing accurate completion.
Understanding checks builds real-world financial literacy, empowering 8th graders to manage everyday banking tasks confidently and responsibly.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive slides, guided walkthrough, and hands-on practice.
Materials
Check It Out Slides, - Blank Check Template, - Check Writing Practice Worksheet, - Check Writing Answer Key, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Projector or Smartboard
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Check It Out Slides to familiarize yourself with the flow and talking points.
- Print enough copies of the Blank Check Template and the Check Writing Practice Worksheet for each student.
- Review answers in the Check Writing Answer Key to anticipate common errors.
- Set up the projector or smartboard and test slide deck display.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Display Slide 1 and welcome students.
- Pose the question: “Why might you need to write a check today?”
- Briefly outline lesson objectives and relevance to daily life.
Step 2
Demonstration
10 minutes
- Use the Check It Out Slides to highlight each part of a check (date, payee, amount in numbers and words, memo, signature).
- Project a blank check and fill in a sample together, thinking aloud about each field.
- Pause to address questions and clarify terminology.
Step 3
Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Distribute the Blank Check Template to each student.
- Call out a check scenario (e.g., paying rent, buying supplies) and have students fill in the check fields.
- Circulate the room, offering feedback and correcting common mistakes on the spot.
Step 4
Independent Practice
10 minutes
- Hand out the Check Writing Practice Worksheet.
- Students complete two distinct check-writing problems independently.
- Encourage neat handwriting and attention to detail.
Step 5
Review & Assessment
5 minutes
- Go over answers using the Check Writing Answer Key.
- Invite volunteers to project their completed checks and explain their entries.
- Collect worksheets as an informal assessment and provide quick feedback.
Lesson Plan
Writing a Check Lesson Plan
Students will identify and understand each component of a personal check and accurately complete all fields. By the end of this 45-minute lesson, they will confidently write checks for everyday scenarios.
Checks remain a common payment method for many personal and business transactions. Learning to write them correctly builds essential financial literacy and empowers students to manage real-world banking tasks with confidence.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive slides, guided walkthrough, and hands-on practice.
Materials
- Check It Out Slides, - Blank Check Template, - Check Writing Practice Worksheet, - Check Writing Answer Key, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Projector or Smartboard
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Check It Out Slides to familiarize yourself with the flow and key talking points.
- Print sufficient copies of the Blank Check Template and the Check Writing Practice Worksheet for each student.
- Study the Check Writing Answer Key to identify common mistakes and prepare clarifications.
- Set up and test the projector or smartboard display of the slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Display slide 1 from the Check It Out Slides and welcome students.
- Ask: “Why might you need to write a check today?” to connect to real-life use.
- Outline lesson objectives: identify check components and practice accurate completion.
Step 2
Demonstration
10 minutes
- Use the Check It Out Slides to highlight date, payee, numeric amount, written amount, memo, and signature fields.
- Project a blank check and fill in a sample together, thinking aloud about each entry.
- Pause for questions and clarify terminology.
Step 3
Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Distribute the Blank Check Template to each student.
- Present a check-writing scenario (e.g., paying rent, buying supplies) and have students complete the check fields.
- Circulate the room, offering immediate feedback and correcting common mistakes.
Step 4
Independent Practice
10 minutes
- Hand out the Check Writing Practice Worksheet.
- Students independently complete two check-writing problems, focusing on neatness and accuracy.
- Encourage students to reference the sample check if needed.
Step 5
Closure & Assessment
5 minutes
- Review answers using the Check Writing Answer Key.
- Invite volunteers to project their completed checks and explain each entry.
- Collect worksheets for informal assessment and provide quick feedback.
Slide Deck
Check It Out: Writing a Personal Check
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Time: 45 minutes
MTSS Tier: 1 (Classroom)
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Use this slide to set expectations and draw connections to real-world needs. Say: “Today we’ll learn how to write a personal check—a skill you’ll use for paying rent, bills, or even gifts.”
Lesson Objectives
- Identify each component of a personal check
- Accurately complete all check fields
- Practice writing checks for everyday scenarios
Review what students will accomplish. Read each objective aloud and confirm understanding. Encourage questions.
Why Write a Check?
Questions to Consider:
- When might you need to write a check today?
- What are advantages of paying by check?
- How does writing a check differ from other payment methods?
Engage students by asking for real-life reasons to write a check. Record their answers on the board.
Anatomy of a Check
Key Components:
- Date line
- Payee line (“Pay to the order of”)
- Numeric amount box
- Written amount line
- Memo line
- Signature line
- Check number
Introduce the main parts of a check. Point to each item on a projected blank check or handout as you name them.
1. Date Field
- Write the date you’re issuing the check
- Format: MM/DD/YYYY (e.g., 03/14/2024)
- Use numbers for month, day, and year
Explain proper date format. Model writing today’s date on a blank check and emphasize consistency.
2. Payee Field
- Write the name of who will cash or deposit the check
- Enter exact spelling to ensure proper processing
- Prefix: “Pay to the order of”
Clarify the payee: the person or business receiving payment. Show examples like “Electric Company” or a friend’s name.
3. Amount in Numbers
- Write the amount in the box (e.g., 50.00)
- Align numbers to the left of the box
- Include cents after the decimal point
Demonstrate entering the numeric amount. Stress the importance of placing the decimal correctly and adding a trailing line if needed.
4. Amount in Words
- Spell out the dollar amount (e.g., Fifty and 00/100)
- Write cents as a fraction over 100
- Draw a line afterward to prevent additions
Show how to write the amount in words. Emphasize writing “and 00/100” for cents.
5. Memo & Check Number
Memo Line:
- Note the purpose (e.g., “March Rent”)
Check Number: - Pre-printed in top right corner for tracking
Cover the memo line and check number. Explain that memo is optional but helpful for records.
6. Signature
- Sign exactly as your name appears on the account
- Use cursive or consistent handwriting
- No signature = no valid check
Stress that the signature must match the bank’s records. Demonstrate signing neatly at the bottom right.
Example: Filling Out a Check
Scenario:
Pay $75.50 to “Local Bookstore” on 04/01/2024 for class supplies.
Sample Entries:
- Date: 04/01/2024
- Payee: Local Bookstore
- Numeric Amount: 75.50
- Written Amount: Seventy-five and 50/100
- Memo: Class Supplies
- Signature: [Your Signature]
Walk through a real example. Fill in each field step by step while students follow on their printed blank checks.
Guided Practice
Scenario: Pay $120.00 to “City Utilities” on 04/05/2024 for monthly bill.
Steps:
- Write the date
- Enter the payee
- Fill in numeric amount
- Spell the amount in words
- Add memo: “April Utilities”
- Sign your check
Lead students through a guided practice scenario. Read the scenario aloud and pause after each step for them to fill in their checks.
Independent Practice
Complete two check-writing problems on your worksheet:
- Scenario A: Paying for school field trip
- Scenario B: Donating to a charity
Focus on neatness and accuracy. Use sample check as reference.
Explain the independent practice worksheet. Circulate to support and correct common mistakes.
Recap & Next Steps
Today You Learned:
- All parts of a check
- Correct formatting for each field
- How to complete checks independently
Resources: - Blank Check Template
- Check Writing Practice Worksheet
- Check Writing Answer Key
Summarize key takeaways and invite final questions. Remind students where to find practice materials and the answer key.
Worksheet
Check Writing Practice Worksheet
Refer to the Blank Check Template as you complete each scenario. Fill in all fields neatly.
Scenario A
On 05/10/2024, you need to pay $150.25 to Mountain View Museum for your class field trip fees. Complete the check below.
Date: _________________________________
Pay to the order of: _______________________________________
Numeric Amount: $ ________________
Written Amount: ____________________________________________________________
Memo: _________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
Scenario B
On 06/15/2024, you want to donate $75.00 to the Local Animal Shelter. Complete the check below for this donation.
Date: _________________________________
Pay to the order of: _______________________________________
Numeric Amount: $ ________________
Written Amount: ____________________________________________________________
Memo: _________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
Reading
Blank Check Template
Bank of Learning Check No. _________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Pay to the order of: _____________________________________________________ $ _______________
Amount in words: ___________________________________________________________
Memo: ________________________________ Signature: ___________________________
Routing #: _________________________ Account #: ___________________________
Answer Key
Check Writing Answer Key
This answer key provides the correct entries for each scenario along with step-by-step reasoning for grading and student understanding.
Scenario A: Paying Mountain View Museum
Scenario Recap: On 05/10/2024, pay $150.25 to Mountain View Museum for class field trip fees.
Completed Check Entries:
- Date: 05/10/2024
- Pay to the order of: Mountain View Museum
- Numeric Amount: $150.25
- Written Amount: One hundred fifty and 25/100
- Memo: Class Field Trip Fees
- Signature: [Student Signature]
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Date Field: Copy the date exactly as given (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Payee Field: Use the exact business name to ensure the check can be deposited.
- Numeric Amount: Place “150.25” in the dollar box, including cents after the decimal.
- Written Amount: Spell out the dollar portion (“One hundred fifty”), add “and 25/100” for cents, and draw a line afterward to prevent additions.
- Memo Line: Note the purpose succinctly—“Class Field Trip Fees”—matching the scenario.
- Signature Line: Student must sign exactly as their name appears on the bank account for validity.
Scenario B: Donating to Local Animal Shelter
Scenario Recap: On 06/15/2024, donate $75.00 to the Local Animal Shelter.
Completed Check Entries:
- Date: 06/15/2024
- Pay to the order of: Local Animal Shelter
- Numeric Amount: $75.00
- Written Amount: Seventy-five and 00/100
- Memo: Donation to Local Animal Shelter
- Signature: [Student Signature]
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
- Date Field: Use the scenario date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Payee Field: Write “Local Animal Shelter” exactly for correct processing.
- Numeric Amount: Enter “75.00” ensuring the cents are shown.
- Written Amount: Spell out “Seventy-five” and add “and 00/100” for the cents.
- Memo Line: Indicate the reason—“Donation to Local Animal Shelter.”
- Signature Line: Student’s own signature matching bank records is required.
Instructor Notes for Grading:
- Check that cents are always represented as a fraction over 100 in the written amount.
- Ensure no blanks remain in numeric or written fields that could allow fraud.
- Confirm spelling accuracy for payee names.
- Verify that students used a consistent date format and legible handwriting.
- Look for a valid signature; unsigned checks earn no credit.
Use this key to award full credit for correct, neat entries and partial credit for minor formatting mistakes (e.g., missing “and 00/100”).