In this 3rd-grade math lesson, students will explore the concepts of money management and budgeting through hands-on activities. The lesson begins with an engaging discussion about budgeting and the importance of managing money wisely. Students will learn to identify and count various coins and bills, followed by practical budgeting scenarios where they will create their own budgets based on a fictional allowance.
Through guided practice, students will use play money to make selections from a classroom store filled with items of varying costs, filling out worksheets as they keep track of their spending and savings. During independent practice, students will design their own budget based on their preferences and learn to complete a budgeting worksheet without exceeding their allowance. The lesson concludes with a sharing session, where students can present their budgeting choices and reflect on their learning.
Assessment will be conducted through completed worksheets and participation in discussions and activities. Extensions will be offered to deepen understanding, while modifications will ensure all students can engage meaningfully with the material. By the end of the session, students will gain foundational skills in recognizing, counting, and budgeting money, setting them up for future financial literacy.