Students will identify daily situations where money is used and create a visual timeline of their personal money journeys, fostering empathy and self-awareness about financial choices.
Understanding personal money narratives helps students recognize diverse spending habits, build empathy for others, and take ownership of their own financial decisions.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discuss scenarios, then draw and share individual money timelines.
Instruct students to draw five moments in their day when they see or use money (e.g., buying breakfast, allowance).
Encourage adding brief captions to explain each drawing.
Step 4
Share & Reflect
3 minutes
Invite 2–3 students to share a favorite point from their timeline with the class.
Ask: “How are our money stories similar or different?” to foster empathy.
Step 5
Conclusion
2 minutes
Summarize that money shapes daily experiences and each person’s story is unique.
Encourage students to notice their money moments at home and discuss them with family.
Slide Deck
What’s Your Money Story?
Exploring daily money moments and choices.
Welcome students! Today we’re diving into personal money stories. Explain that everyone uses money in different ways, and we’ll explore our own daily money moments.
What Is Money?
• Think: What words or images pop into your head when you hear “money”?
• Share one idea with the class.
Prompt the class: “What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘money’?” Record answers on the board. Highlight keywords like ‘buy,’ ‘save,’ ‘spend,’ ‘allowance.’
Morning Money Moment
• Buying breakfast: $1–$5
• Paying with coins or bills
• How do you decide what to buy?
Show an image of a child buying breakfast at a café (slide background or clip art). Ask: “Have you ever used money for breakfast?”
Getting Around
• Paying bus or subway fare
• Saving up for a monthly pass
• Why do we need to pay to travel?
Display a bus icon or photo. Ask about riding the bus or subway and paying fare.
Lunchtime Choices
• School lunch cost vs. packed lunch
• Choosing healthy and affordable options
• Who decides what to buy?
Use a cafeteria photo. Discuss choices between school lunch and packed lunch.
After-School Spending
• Buying a snack or small toy
• Spending now vs. saving for later
• How do you feel after spending?
Show a local store image. Talk about using allowance or pocket money for treats.
Your Wallet Timeline
Use the worksheet to draw five money moments from your day:
Morning purchase
Travel fare
Lunch
After-school treat
Anything else!
Introduce the activity. Hand out the Draw Your Wallet Timeline worksheet. Explain students will draw five moments in their day when they see or use money.
Share & Reflect
• What did you draw?
• How do our money stories compare?
• What did you learn about others?
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their favorite drawing. Guide discussion: How are stories alike or different? What surprised you?
Wrap-Up
• Money shapes our day-to-day choices
• Everyone has a unique money story
• Share your story with family tonight!
Summarize key takeaways: money is part of daily life, stories vary, and reflecting helps us make good choices. Encourage talking about these stories at home.
Activity
Draw Your Wallet Timeline
Objective:
Students will visually map five moments when they see or use money during their day.
Instructions:
In each numbered section below, draw a moment when you used or saw money.
Under each drawing, write a short caption explaining what’s happening.
Morning Moment
Caption: ________________________________
Getting Around
Caption: ________________________________
Lunchtime Moment
Caption: ________________________________
After-School Treat
Caption: ________________________________
Your Own Money Moment
Caption: ________________________________
Reflection Questions
• Which drawing shows your favorite money moment, and why?
• How do these moments help you understand your own spending or saving choices?
