Free Resources: Financial Lessons & Games for Children (K-8)
Sponsored by Regions Bank, Member FDIC. All thoughts are my own.
Did you know only 23 percent of parents talk to their children about money? April is Financial Literacy Month, making it the perfect time to teach our children more about money. Regions Bank worked with Scholastic to create free educational content that is perfect for parents looking for resources to fill the gap while schools are closed. The program, called Adventures in Math, was created to help teach key math skills while reinforcing the importance of financial responsibility with kids. It includes lessons, activities, games and more.
Lessons Overview
Much of the site is dedicated to a variety of lessons, which are designed for grades K-8. The lessons cover a wide scope of financial areas and make it easy for parents to engage with their children on these important topics. A few facts:
- Lessons are divided by grades (K-2, 3-5, and 6-8)
- Each grade level has three lessons
- Every lesson includes a worksheet to go with the teaching
- One of the three lessons is available in English and Spanish
K-2’s lessons
1. Money Basics
2. Money Planning
3. Money in Our Community
Grades 3-5’s lessons
1. Money Matters
2. Plans and Goals
3. Smart Savings
Grades 6-8’s lessons
1. Calculating Sales Tax
2. Finding the Better Buy
3. Saving Money for Your Future
Additional money lessons are available in the family activity section, as well as games for all ages. The games are a fun way for children to apply their learnings without even realizing it!
How to Access the Free Lessons & Resources
To access the lessons, simply click here and select the grade levels of your children. You don’t need to add your email address or any information. Everything is free to access.
What We Thought
Because of my kids’ ages (5, 8 and 11), we went through all of the lessons, and I was genuinely impressed. I have reviewed a variety of free resources online during this time and this was one of the most thorough I found for my children. Though just a few pages long, the lessons cover a breadth of financial topics. Each lesson includes guidance for the parents/educator + activities to do with your kids.
I found the lessons to be age appropriate and that they prompted great conversation. For instance, in the grade 3-5 unit, my children gained a better understanding of budgeting, spending, saving, charitable giving, profits, loans, and income and wages. While my kids had a basic understanding of these topics, these lessons opened their eyes to new facets.
They also loved the games on the site, and I appreciated that Regions used gamification to teach important money lessons.
Our children are going to remember this moment in history for so many reasons, including the school lessons they had at home. I believe these Regions lessons could be some of the most important lessons they complete, with a ripple effect that will impact them throughout their lives. Take Financial Literacy Month to heart and access these free lessons today.