10 Useful Online Resources to Help Kids Learn About Money
We all know the adage “money doesn’t grow on trees,” and yet, understanding how money works can be a challenge for kids. To help them master the concept of finances from an early age, you can use an array of online resources. Engaging, practical, and entertaining, these digital platforms turn learning about money into a fun yet highly educational endeavor.
10 Useful Resources to Help Children Learn About Money
From check designing to virtual stock trading, let’s explore some top-notch online resources aimed at teaching this vital life skill to children. Here are 10 we think your kids will love.
1. Biz Kids
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way for your child to learn about money, “Biz Kids” is the answer. This public television series turns finance into a child-friendly subject with its engaging episodes. Kids can even “simulate real-world transactions, adding a practical touch.
2. PDFSimpli
PDFSimpli has a wide variety of resources your kids can use to play with financial products safely. For example, you can design your own checks that are kid-friendly, void, and similar to real checks. This gives children the chance to understand how to write checks while young.
3. Practical Money Skills
Practical Money Skills For Life, offered by Visa, is a great resource tailored for kids of various age groups. The platform turns learning about budgeting, saving, and wise spending into a game. With activities like ‘Financial Football,’ finance education has never been so engaging.
4. TreasuryDirect KIDS
For a more government-focused approach, TreasuryDirect KIDS is an excellent resource. Run by the U.S Government, the website provides lessons on finance basics such as bonds and Treasury securities. It serves as a unique platform for kids to get acquainted with economics.
5. The Stock Market Game
The Stock Market Game™ is a dynamic resource that allows kids to gain practical investment skills. By providing a safe environment to invest virtual money in real stocks, children can learn the ropes of trading and investment strategy without the real-world risk of financial loss.
6. For Me, for You, for Later
“For Me, for You, for Later” is a Sesame Street episode and pamphlet that teaches children the first steps of spending, sharing, and saving. This toolkit consists of printable activities that are perfect for preschoolers learning about money and how to spend or save it appropriately.
7. Adventure Capitalist
Adventure Capitalist! is an exciting game-based learning platform that introduces players to the world of entrepreneurship. As kids manage businesses within the gameplay, they learn valuable economic insights. Its effectiveness in teaching about money cannot be emphasized enough.
8. Jump$tart’s Reality Check
Jump$tart’s Reality Check is an engaging simulation tool that lets students envision their future lifestyles based on career choices. It brings home the impact of decisions on personal financial scenarios. With a reality check, kids learn to balance dreams with financial practicalities.
9. The Council for Economic Education
The Council for Economic Education’s site houses EconEdLink, a series of videos developed for young learners. The series breaks down economics using real-world examples in a manner suitable for kids. EconEdLink provides an effective platform for kids to grasp financial concepts.
10. H&R Block’s Budget Challenge
H&R Block’s Budget Challenge® offers older students a chance to manage their finances on a simulated platform. They learn how to handle payrolls, insurance costs, and tax calculations as they would in real life. This helps teenagers get an early head start on managing finances.
In Conclusion…
Starting financial education early is one of the keys to paving a path toward a financially secure future. With these engaging online resources, learning about money has never been more accessible or fun. Don’t hesitate to introduce these platforms and games in their daily routine.
