Students at Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School learned about basic financial concepts during free workshops offered by SEFCU’s Financial Education Series last week. The activities fit classroom curriculum and utilized students’ math and problem solving skills.
Using the book, “Joe the Monkey Saves for a Goal” by John Lanza, kindergarten students made decisions about how to spend, share, and save money. Following reading and discussion, children created their own “save jar” that they will keep to use for their own established financial goal.
Second graders participated in a simulated community to understand the money cycle. They used role-play as local business or charitable organization owners and spenders, and were asked to make financial decisions on what to spend or save based on their wants and needs.
Fifth graders worked in teams to purchase and create robots that would make a positive impact on the world. The hands-on activity taught them basic financial concepts such as needs, wants, goals, saving, spending and budgeting. After planning, creating a budget and spending within their budget, students used iPads and Apple robots to carry out their visions.
“The kids loved it,” said Kindergarten teacher Shondra Conyers. “It was interactive, engaging and a lot of fun. It was something we had never done before but we will be doing it again now that we know how great the programs are.”