money

Objectives

1. To introduce youth to the concepts that surround money such as: money as a form of currency for exchange, wants versus needs and financial responsibility

2. To address the value of money and identify the connection between personal values and money

Discussion

Introduce money with the following discussion points:

  • What is money and why is it needed in society?
  • What do you (personally) do with your money?
  • How much does a normal day cost you (think about everything you may need in a day)?
  • What do you “need” money for? What do you “want” money for? In your view, what percentage of money should be allocated toward the “needs” in life (food, shelter and basic clothing)?
  • What is a value? What do the students’ value (i.e. family, love, friendship, health)? How do you think money relates to these things? Does it relate?
  • Why would someone save, invest or donate their money and how does this connect to personal values?

Activity

Money and values

Length: 1 hour
Materials: Money Student Handout, a vessel in which to put money (jar, tin, bank, etc.), magazines and newspapers and a variety of art supplies

  • In this activity, students will come up with their own personal values and determine how money relates to these values. They will also decorate a “value themed” piggy bank.
  • Have students start the activity by reading the Money Student Handout and brainstorming the meaning of value. Students should write down some of their own values – and reasons as to why those values are important to them.
  • Students should then decorate their “vessel” or piggy bank, connecting values to spending money. Ideas to decorate may include collages of motivational words, symbols, pictures or drawings.

Extension

  • Encourage students to find interesting trivia relating to money, where it comes from, different forms of money over the years, etc.
  • Ask students to bring from home, samples of currency from other parts of the world.

Collaborative Feedback

  • Did anyone have any realizations with respect to the relationship between money and values?
  • Discuss the trivia found in the extension activity.

Teacher Tips

  • Provide your own personal example of a piggy bank decorated with your values!