Financial Literacy
Suggested Resources
What Can I Buy?
Tier 1
1st Grade Class
30 mins
This lesson introduces 1st graders to the concept of wants versus needs through a fun classroom marketplace. Students will learn to differentiate essential items from extras, building a foundation for smart spending.
Money Jar
Tier 2
1st Grade Small Group
20 mins
A hands-on small-group lesson that teaches budgeting basics by filling 'money jars' for saving, spending, and sharing. Students will practice allocating coins and understand simple money management.
Pocket Protector
Tier 3
1st Grade Student
15 mins
An intriguing concept where individual students explore keeping money safe by designing their own paper wallets. Builds fine motor skills and an understanding of personal finance.
Why Save Today?
Tier 1
1st Grade Class
25 mins
A whole-class discussion and activity on saving for short-term goals. Students will share what they want to save up for and learn strategies to set mini saving goals.
Coin Count
Tier 2
1st Grade Small Group
15 mins
Quick and engaging three-word resource that strengthens coin recognition and simple addition skills in small groups. Students will count mixed coins to reach target amounts.
Treasure Hunt
Tier 3
1st Grade Student
20 mins
An intriguing concept where individual students go on a classroom 'money hunt' to find hidden coin visuals, then record and sort them. Reinforces counting and money identification.
How Much Is It?
Tier 1
1st Grade Class
30 mins
Students practice price tagging by putting price stickers on classroom objects. Engages real-world math as they estimate and compare cost values.
Piggy Bank
Tier 2
1st Grade Small Group
20 mins
Short and sweet resource where small-group learners create and decorate paper piggy banks. Encourages saving habits and ownership of financial choices.
Money Mountain
Tier 3
1st Grade Student
15 mins
Conceptual journey for individual learners to climb 'Money Mountain' by completing mini saving tasks. Builds intrinsic motivation for setting and achieving financial goals.
Spend or Save?
Tier 1
1st Grade Class
25 mins
A simple question that leads a whole-class game deciding whether to spend or save given scenarios. Builds decision-making and critical thinking around money.
Wish Wallet
Tier 2
1st Grade Small Group
30 mins
Two-word title that drives small-group creativity as students design a 'wish wallet' to track dream purchases. Blends art and financial goal setting.
Treasure Map of Choices
Tier 3
1st Grade Student
20 mins
Intriguing concept where individual learners chart a 'treasure map' of spending, saving, and sharing decisions. Reinforces sequencing and goal-planning skills.