3 Engaging Financial Literacy Activities for Elementary Classrooms

Introducing financial literacy at an early age is crucial for equipping my students with the skills they need to make smart money decisions later in life. As a teacher, I’ve found that incorporating engaging, hands-on activities makes these important concepts stick. Here are three of my favorite ways to bring financial literacy into my upper elementary classroom without adding hours of prep time to my already busy schedule.

1. Setting Up a Classroom Economy

A classroom economy is one of my favorite ways to teach financial literacy by turning my classroom into a mini-society. Students earn classroom cash by completing jobs, then make decisions about spending or saving their earnings. It’s a direct, hands-on approach to learning about money management.

To help teachers implement this powerful tool, I’ve created a comprehensive Classroom Economy resource. The kit includes everything needed to get started: job charts, banking materials, rewards system, and a classroom store setup. The best part? All materials are printer-friendly and fully editable, so you can customize jobs and rewards to fit your unique classroom.

This approach teaches students not just about money basics but also responsibility and decision-making. Setting up takes minimal prep time, allowing you to focus on what matters most – watching your students develop essential financial literacy skills through authentic experiences.

2. Financial Literacy Word Wall

A Financial Literacy Word Wall combines math vocabulary with money concepts, using clear terminology, simple definitions, and visual supports. This makes abstract financial ideas more concrete for upper elementary students. I’ve carefully selected terms aligned with curriculum standards that are essential for building strong financial literacy foundations.

This resource comes in two formats: a printable word wall for your classroom display and a digital version for Google Slides. Share the digital version through Google Classroom or your class website so students can review these important terms at home – reinforcing the same vocabulary they see daily at school.

Incorporating these financial terms into regular math instruction helps students gradually develop comfort with money concepts. With both physical and digital options available, this word wall adapts to any teaching style or classroom situation, keeping financial literacy visible and accessible.

3. Interactive Financial Literacy Games and Apps

Technology transforms how I teach financial literacy in my upper elementary classroom. These digital tools make money management concepts engaging and relevant for today’s tech-savvy students.

My top financial literacy apps for grades 3-5:

• Bankaroo – This virtual bank teaches saving, goal-setting, and budgeting basics. Perfect for 3rd graders just beginning to understand money concepts.
• The Stock Market Game – Students invest virtual money in real market scenarios. Ideal for 4th-5th graders ready to explore economic concepts beyond personal finance.
• Biz Kid$ – This comprehensive site offers videos, games, and activities covering saving, spending, and entrepreneurship. The content scales well across all upper elementary grades.

Tips for Success

• Start with a whole-class demonstration before independent exploration
• Create a 15-minute financial literacy station during math centers
• Use these tools as meaningful “early finisher” activities

By incorporating these digital resources, I’m preparing my students for an increasingly digital financial world while keeping them engaged in learning. These apps provide the perfect balance of education and entertainment.

Teaching financial literacy fundamentals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By implementing a classroom economy, using a targeted vocabulary wall, or incorporating interactive digital tools, I’m setting my students up for future financial success. Each approach can be adapted to fit any teaching style and classroom setup.