In today's world, financial literacy is not just a skill, but a real superpower! The earlier children begin to learn the basics of financial literacy, the more confident they will feel in adulthood. At our school, we believe that teaching children how to handle money can be fun, interactive, and age-appropriate within the framework of math lessons. Let's take a look at how to lay the foundations of financial literacy for children aged 5, 10 and 15 using modern and engaging methods both at home and at school.
At the age of five, children are just beginning to learn about the concept of money. Their world is a game, and it is through play that we can lay the foundations for basic concepts.
What do we teach?
Interactive lesson: ‘Dream Shop’
Idea: Children become buyers and sellers in an improvised shop.
How it works:
Modern approach: We use interactive applications such as ‘PiggyBot,’ where children can ‘save’ virtual money for specific goals.
Result: Children learn to make choices, understand the value of things, and learn the basics of planning.
At the age of 10, children are ready for more complex concepts such as budgeting, saving and a basic understanding of income and expenditure.
What do we teach?
Interactive lesson: ‘Family budget’
Idea: Children create a budget for an imaginary family.
How it works:
Modern approach: We use simulators such as the game ‘Bankaroo,’ where children manage a virtual account, learn to save and plan.
Result: Children learn to prioritise spending, understand the limited nature of resources and the importance of saving.
At the age of 15, teenagers are already able to grasp more complex financial concepts such as investments, loans and taxes. This is the time when they begin to think about the future and independence.
What do we teach?
Interactive lesson: ‘Investor of the Future’
Idea: Teenagers participate in a stock market simulation.
How it works:
Modern approach: We connect video lessons from financial bloggers or interactive courses on platforms such as Coursera, adapted for teenagers.
Result: Teenagers learn to analyse risks, understand how investments work, and realise the importance of long-term planning.
Financial literacy is not just about money, it's about confidence in the future. The ability to manage finances helps children set goals, be responsible, and not be afraid to make decisions. At our school, we make these lessons lively and engaging so that children not only learn but also enjoy the process, and we create projects such as Market Day, Business Week, and others.