Teacher Script for Financial Literacy: Your Money, Your Power!

## Warm-Up: What's Your Money Mindset? (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something that affects every single one of us, no matter our age: money. When you hear the words 'money' or 'finances', what immediately comes to mind? Don't be shy, just shout out the first things you think of!"

Pause for student responses. Acknowledge and validate all answers. (e.g., "Bills!", "Saving for a game!", "Working!", "Stress!")

"Those are all great answers. Money can mean a lot of different things to different people. Today, we're going to start exploring what it means to be 'financially literate' and why having 'financial health' is so important for your future.

## Presentation: Smart Money Moves (Slides 1-5) (10 minutes)

(Transition to Smart Money Moves Slide Deck - Slide 1: "Your Money, Your Power!")

"Alright, let's dive in! Our lesson today is called 'Your Money, Your Power!' because understanding your money truly gives you power over your own life.

(Advance to Slide 2: "What is Financial Literacy?")

"So, what exactly is financial literacy? Take a look at the slide. It's about having the knowledge and skills to manage your money effectively. Think of it like being a superhero of your own money story! When you're financially literate, you learn how money works – how to earn it, save it, spend it wisely, and even how to make it grow in the future. It's not just about knowing facts; it's about being able to do things with your money.

Ask: "Can anyone give an example of a 'skill' you might need to manage money?"
Pause for responses (e.g., "Counting money," "Deciding what to buy," "Saving up").

(Advance to Slide 3: "What is Financial Health?")

"Now, let's talk about financial health. Just like your physical health is about your body being strong and well, financial health means your money situation is stable and helps you reach your goals. It means you're not constantly stressed about money, and you have a plan for your future. You're in a good place financially.

Ask: "Why do you think it's important to have a stable money situation?"
Pause for responses (e.g., "So you don't run out of money," "To buy what you need," "To feel safe").

(Advance to Slide 4: "Why Does it Matter to YOU?")

"You might be thinking, 'I'm only in 8th grade, why does this matter to me now?' Well, it matters a lot! Being financially literate and healthy gives you many advantages:
- Freedom: The more you understand your money, the more choices you'll have and the less you'll worry.
- Goals: Whether it's saving for a new video game, a concert ticket, college, or even a future car, understanding money helps you reach those goals.
- Future: Life can throw curveballs. Being financially prepared helps you handle unexpected events.
- Empowerment: Ultimately, it puts you in control of your destiny, not your debt or lack of funds! You're the boss of your money.

Ask: "What's a goal you have that might involve saving or spending money?"
Pause for a few responses.

(Advance to Slide 5: "Key Components of Financial Health")

"So, how do we get to this state of financial health? It involves several key components, which are like different parts of a team working together:
- Earning: This is how you get money. For many of you, it might be allowance, gifts, or perhaps a part-time job soon. As adults, it's usually from jobs.
- Saving: This is setting money aside for future goals, big or small. It's about delayed gratification.
- Spending: This is using your money for your needs (like food, clothes) and your wants (like entertainment, gadgets). It's important to prioritize.
- Budgeting: This is planning how to use your money. It's like a roadmap for your finances, making sure you have enough for what you need and want.
- Investing: (Briefly mention) This is making your money work for you, like planting a seed and watching it grow. We'll explore this more in future lessons.
- Borrowing: (Briefly mention) This is using money you don't have yet, like a loan for a house or using a credit card. It can be helpful, but also needs to be managed carefully. We'll also cover this more later.

"For today, we're going to focus on earning, saving, spending, and budgeting.

## Activity: Money Choices Challenge (5 minutes)

(Transition to Smart Money Moves Slide Deck - new Slide: "Time for a Challenge!")

"Great job understanding the basics! Now, let's put your knowledge to the test with our 'Money Choices Challenge.' I'm going to hand out the Money Choices Challenge Game with a few scenarios. Work individually or in small groups (depending on how you want to structure it) to read each scenario and decide how you would manage the money. Be ready to explain why you made your choices, connecting them to what we just learned about earning, saving, spending, and budgeting.

Distribute the Money Choices Challenge Game. Circulate to answer questions and encourage discussion.

"We'll take about 5 minutes for this challenge. Focus on making smart decisions!"

(After 4-5 minutes)

"Alright, let's quickly discuss one or two of these scenarios. Who wants to share their approach to Scenario 1?" Call on a student or group to share and discuss briefly.

## Activity: My Money Goals (5 minutes)

(Transition to Smart Money Moves Slide Deck - Slide: "Your Money Journey Starts Now!")

"Excellent work on the challenge! Now, let's bring it back to your personal goals. I'm going to hand out the My Money Goals Worksheet. On this worksheet, you'll have a chance to reflect on your own financial aspirations – things you want to buy, experiences you want to have, or even things you want to save for in the future.

"Think about both short-term goals, like something you want in the next few weeks or months, and longer-term goals, maybe something you'd like in a few years. Then, I want you to start brainstorming how you might achieve them, thinking about what we just discussed: earning, saving, and spending.

Distribute My Money Goals Worksheet. Circulate around the room, offering help and encouragement.

"Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. This is about your goals and your plans. Let's take about 5 minutes to work on this.

(After 4-5 minutes)

"Alright class, bring your thoughts to a close.

## Cool-Down: Financial Health Check-in (5 minutes)

"Excellent work today, everyone! To wrap things up, I have one final quick activity for you. I'm handing out a Financial Health Check-in Cool Down. On this slip, I'd like you to write down one new thing you learned today about financial literacy or financial health, OR one change you might consider making regarding your own money habits. This is your exit ticket for today.

Distribute Financial Health Check-in Cool Down.

"As you finish up, I want to leave you with this thought: financial literacy is a lifelong journey. You've taken a fantastic first step today. The more you learn and practice, the more financially strong you'll become.

Collect cool-downs as students leave or as time concludes.

My Money Goals Worksheet

Name: _____________________________

Welcome to your financial journey! This worksheet is designed to help you think about your money goals and how you might achieve them. It's never too early to start planning!

Part 1: My Short-Term Money Goals (Next 1-6 months)

What is one thing you would like to save for or buy in the next few months? (e.g., a new game, concert tickets, a special item of clothing, saving for a school trip)

My Short-Term Goal:

Why is this goal important to me?

How much money do I think I need to achieve this goal?
$

How can I earn this money? (Think about allowance, chores, gifts, small jobs, etc.)

How can I save this money? (Where will you keep it? How often will you put money aside?)

Part 2: My Longer-Term Money Goals (Next 1-5 years)

What is one thing you would like to save for or experience in the next few years? (e.g., saving for college, a car, a big trip, a specific tech gadget, starting a small business idea)

My Longer-Term Goal:

Why is this goal important to me?

How much money do I think I need to achieve this goal?
$

What steps can I take now to start working towards this goal? (Think about developing skills, learning more, setting up a savings plan, etc.)

Part 3: Reflection

What is one new idea you have about earning, saving, or spending money after thinking about your goals today?

Financial Health Check-in: Cool Down

Name: _____________________________

Reflect on today's lesson, "Your Money, Your Power!" Please answer one of the following questions:

Option A: What is ONE new thing you learned today about financial literacy or financial health?

Option B: What is ONE change you might consider making or one new habit you might start regarding your own money after today's lesson?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Your financial journey has just begun!

Money Choices Challenge: Scenario Edition!

Goal: Work in small groups or individually to make smart financial decisions based on real-life scenarios. Discuss your choices and the reasoning behind them!

Scenario 1: Birthday Money Bliss

You just received $50 for your birthday! You really want a new video game that costs $60. You also want to go to the movies with friends next weekend, which will cost about $15.

Your Challenge: How do you use your $50? Do you save it all for the video game, spend some on the movies, or a combination? Explain your choice.

Scenario 2: Chores and Choices

You earned $20 from doing extra chores around the house. You have a favorite snack that costs $5, and you see a cool new book at the store for $10. Your parents also mentioned a family vacation in a few months that you'll need spending money for.

Your Challenge: What do you do with your $20? How much do you save, how much do you spend, and on what? Explain your reasoning.

Scenario 3: Unexpected Opportunity

You found a $10 bill on the ground! You could immediately spend it on a new app or save it. You also remember that your friend's birthday is coming up, and you wanted to get them a small gift that costs $10.

Your Challenge: What is the most financially responsible choice for your $10? Spend, save, or use for a gift? Justify your decision.

Scenario 4: The Budget Bust

Imagine you have a weekly allowance of $15. This week, you spent $10 on a new comic book. You still need money for bus fare ($2) for a school trip on Friday and you want to buy a drink after school on Thursday ($3).

Your Challenge: Do you have enough money for everything? How would you adjust your spending for the rest of the week? What is the most important thing to spend your money on? Why?

Budgeting Like a Boss! Warm-Up: Money Priorities

Name: _____________________________

Think about things you spend money on or things you would like to have. In the spaces below, list 3 things you NEED and 3 things you WANT.

My Needs (Things I must have to live or function well):

My Wants (Things I would like to have, but don't necessarily need to survive):

Quick Reflection: What was harder to think of, needs or wants? Why do you think that is?

Teacher Script for Budgeting: Budgeting Like a Boss!

## Warm-Up: Money Priorities (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! In our last lesson, we talked about financial literacy and health. Today, we're diving into a super practical skill that's a cornerstone of financial health: budgeting! To kick things off, I've handed out the Budgeting Like a Boss! Warm-Up. Please take about two minutes to list 3 things you need and 3 things you want on your worksheet. Don't overthink it, just put down the first things that come to mind."

Allow 2 minutes for students to complete. Circulate to ensure everyone is engaged.

"Alright, let's hear some examples! Who has something they listed as a 'need'?" Call on a few students. Prompt for definition. "Why is [item] a need?" (e.g., Food, shelter, school supplies).

"And what about some 'wants'?" Call on a few students. Prompt for definition. "Why is [item] a want?" (e.g., New video game, concert tickets, fancy clothes).

"Excellent! The difference between needs and wants is crucial for managing your money, and that's exactly what budgeting helps us do. Today, we're going to learn how to be a 'boss' of our own budget!"

## Presentation: Budgeting Power-Up (Slides 1-5) (15 minutes)

(Transition to Budgeting Power-Up Slide Deck - Slide 1: "Budgeting Like a Boss!")

"As our slide says, today we're all becoming 'Budgeting Bosses'! This means taking control of your money, instead of letting your money control you.

(Advance to Slide 2: "What is Budgeting?")

"So, what is budgeting? It's simply creating a plan for how you'll spend and save your money. Think of it like a GPS for your finances. You decide where you want your money to go, instead of wondering where it went! Why do you think having a plan for your money is a good idea?"
Pause for student responses (e.g., "So you don't run out," "To buy what you want," "To save").

(Advance to Slide 3: "Needs vs. Wants: The Great Debate")

"This brings us back to our warm-up: Needs vs. Wants. Can someone remind us of the difference between a need and a want?" Guide students to define.

"Understanding this difference is one of the most powerful tools in budgeting. If you only have enough money for your needs, then your wants have to wait. If you have extra, you can choose which wants to spend on, or save for bigger wants! Can you think of something that might be a 'need' for one person but a 'want' for another?" Pause for responses (e.g., A car – need for someone with a long commute, want for someone who lives near public transport).

(Advance to Slide 4: "Income & Expenses: Where Does Your Money Go?")

"To create a budget, you need to know two main things: your income and your expenses. Your income is simply the money you receive – like an allowance, money from a part-time job, or birthday gifts. Your expenses are the money you spend – on snacks, movies, bus fare, clothes. If you earn $20 a week and spend $15, what's your income? What are your expenses? How much is left?" Guide students to identify the terms and perform simple math.

(Advance to Slide 5: "Steps to Create a Budget:")

"Here are the four basic steps to create a budget:
1. Track Your Income: Know how much money you have coming in.
2. Track Your Expenses: Figure out where your money usually goes. Keep a record!
3. Categorize: Group your spending. It helps you see patterns.
4. Plan & Adjust: This is where you become the 'boss'! You decide how much you want to spend in each category. The key is to make sure your spending doesn't go over your income! If it does, what do you need to do?" Pause for responses (e.g., "Spend less," "Earn more").

"Budgeting isn't about never spending; it's about spending with a plan and purpose."

## Activity: Needs vs. Wants Challenge (15 minutes)

(Transition to Budgeting Power-Up Slide Deck - Slide 6: "Challenge Time: Needs or Wants?")

"Alright, let's put your understanding of Needs vs. Wants to the test! I'm handing out the Needs vs. Wants Challenge Activity. You'll see a list of items. Your job is to decide if each item is a 'need' or a 'want' for a typical 8th grader and be ready to explain your thinking. Work individually or in small groups for about 10 minutes."

Distribute Needs vs. Wants Challenge Activity. Circulate, listen to discussions, and prompt critical thinking.

"Let's bring it back together. For number 1, 'School Backpack,' how many said need? How many said want? Why? What about 'Newest Smartphone'?" Briefly discuss 2-3 examples, emphasizing that contexts can change classifications.

## Activity: My First Budget (15 minutes)

(Transition to Budgeting Power-Up Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Your Budget Blueprint")

"Fantastic work! Now, you're ready to create your very own budget blueprint! I'm giving each of you the My First Budget Worksheet. You can either use the hypothetical scenario provided or, if you receive an allowance or earn money, you can try to budget using your own real numbers. Your goal is to plan how you'll use your money for a week or month, making sure your expenses don't exceed your income. Think about your needs first, then your wants!"

Distribute My First Budget Worksheet. Circulate, offering help and guidance. Encourage students to think realistically.

"We'll take about 12-13 minutes for this. Remember, it's a plan, and plans can always be adjusted!"

(After 12-13 minutes)

"Time is almost up for our budget planning! What was one thing you found challenging about creating your budget? Or one thing that surprised you?" Allow a couple of students to share insights.

## Cool-Down: Budgeting Reflection (5 minutes)

"You've all done a great job taking a big step into the world of budgeting today! For our cool-down, I'm handing out the Budgeting Reflection Cool Down. Please take a moment to reflect on today's lesson and write down one budgeting tip you learned, or one goal you have for managing your money. This will be your exit ticket."

Distribute Budgeting Reflection Cool Down.

"Remember, budgeting isn't a one-time thing; it's a habit that gets easier with practice. By being a 'Budgeting Boss,' you're setting yourself up for financial freedom and success!"

Collect cool-downs.

Needs vs. Wants Challenge: What's the Difference?

Name: _____________________________

Goal: Read each item below and decide if it is primarily a NEED (something you must have to survive or function well) or a WANT (something you desire but can live without). Be ready to explain your reasoning to the class or your group!

1. School Backpack:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

2. A pair of new sneakers (to replace worn-out ones):
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

3. The newest video game console:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

4. Healthy food for lunch:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

5. A concert ticket to see your favorite band:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

6. A warm winter coat (when it's freezing outside):
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

7. Bus fare to get to school:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

8. A designer brand hoodie:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

Bonus Question: Can a 'want' become a 'need' or vice-versa? Explain your thinking with an example.

My First Budget Worksheet: Your Money, Your Plan!

Name: _____________________________

Goal: Use this worksheet to create a simple budget. You can either use the hypothetical scenario below or your own income and expenses if you receive an allowance or earn money. Remember to prioritize your needs first!

Hypothetical Scenario:

• Income: You get a $25 allowance each week.
• Regular Expenses:
  • Daily snack at school: $2.50 per day (5 days a week = $12.50)
  • Online gaming subscription: $5 per week
• Upcoming Wants:
  • New book: $10
  • Movie ticket with friends: $12

Part 1: My Income (Money Coming In)

Part 2: My Expenses (Money Going Out)

List your NEEDS first, then your WANTS. Try to estimate how much you spend or plan to spend on each item.

Needs:

Wants:

Part 3: My Budget Balance

Total Income: (from Part 1) $

Total Needs: (from Part 2) $

Total Wants: (from Part 2) $

Total Expenses (Needs + Wants): $

Money Left Over (Total Income - Total Expenses): $

Part 4: Reflection

1. Is your "Money Left Over" a positive number, zero, or negative? What does this mean for your spending?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. If you had less money left over than you wanted, what is one expense you could reduce or eliminate?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one financial goal you could use any leftover money for (e.g., saving for something big, investing, donating)?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Budgeting Reflection: Cool Down

Name: _____________________________

Reflect on today's lesson, "Budgeting Like a Boss!" Please answer one of the following questions:

Option A: What is ONE key budgeting tip or strategy you learned today that you think will be most helpful?

Option B: What is ONE specific financial goal you have, and how might budgeting help you achieve it?

Thank you for reflecting! Your journey to becoming a budgeting boss has begun!

Needs vs. Wants Challenge: What's the Difference?

Name: _____________________________

Goal: Read each item below and decide if it is primarily a NEED (something you must have to survive or function well) or a WANT (something you desire but can live without). Be ready to explain your reasoning to the class or your group!

1. School Backpack:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

2. A pair of new sneakers (to replace worn-out ones):
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

3. The newest video game console:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

4. Healthy food for lunch:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

5. A concert ticket to see your favorite band:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

6. A warm winter coat (when it's freezing outside):
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

7. Bus fare to get to school:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

8. A designer brand hoodie:
   
   Need or Want? _____________________________
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   

Bonus Question: Can a