Elmo Learns to Save
Sing along to a song about saving.
Every goal starts with taking a first step. Teaching kids to save money by collecting in a specific place—such as a piggy bank or a jar—shows kids concretely how much they are saving. Put a little change in every so often so they see how to save over time. Every time you save up to a certain small, new amount, celebrate by doing a fun “I Can Save” dance!
- Start first with simple goals that kids can achieve over a short period of time. Once they master simple goals, like saving to buy a small treat, try setting larger goals that require saving over longer periods of time. Understanding how to wait for what they want can help kids learn to save for important things later in life.
- Elmo and his friends count the dollars he earns and saves. You can also use this opportunity to discuss how math concepts are used in everyday situations. What happens each time Elmo adds a dollar to his jar?
For Providers: Spending, Sharing, and Saving
Help kids learn the value of money when they spend, share, and save.
Money Talk
Learn how you can answer kids’ questions about money.
V Is for Value
Learn how to explore the meaning of value with children.
Making Choices
Learn the importance of talking about choices with children and how it relates to financial decision-making down the road.
Guest Post: Helping your child’s money skills grow
Learn ways to start your children’s financial futures off strong
Need It or Want It?
Help children understand the difference between needs and wants.
Building Financial Skills in the Classroom
These classroom activities emphasize the key financial concepts of choices, value, and financial literacy skills: spending, saving, and sharing.
