First Grade

Our first grade curriculum introduces students to the concept of money. By the end of the lessons, they should be able to explain what money is, how people earn an income in exchange for work, and be introduced to opportunity cost. By teaching this unit, all financial literacy and economics standards are met, coupled with many of the inquiry standards as well.

You can download the entire curriculum by clicking the Download Curriculum PDF link below, or you can download individual activities within each lesson section. Don't miss the bonus videos within the lessons on this page! 

Introduction to Curriculum

Letter from the Treasurer

Download Curriculum PDF

Lesson 1 Lesson Plan

Supporting Question #1

• 3-2-1 Bridge Activity
• Video- Characteristics of Money
• Video- Consumer Spending
• "Spending Money" Reading for Information Piece
• Guessing Game Activity
• Money Researcher Observation Station Activity
• Close Reading Activity (Note: This can be used for any of the supporting questions)

Supporting Question #2

• Video- Alternate Forms of Money
• Electronic Money- Reading for Information Piece
• Checking Account
• Simulation Activity Cards
• Checking Account Simulation Activity Instructions

Supporting Question #3

• Video- Spending
• Video- Saving
• Video- Sharing
• “Special Delivery” Literary Piece
• Scavenger Hunt Activity
• I am a Consumer Activity
• We All Want and Need Activity
• SCOOT Goods & Services Activity

Lesson 2 Lesson Plan

Supporting Question #1

• Working for Income- Reading for Information Piece
• Video- Earning, Part 1
• Chores-Skills Brainstorm Activity (Note: This is used for both Supporting Question #1 & Supporting Question #2)
• Job Match Activity

Supporting Question #2

• Work Skills Reading for Information Piece
• Video- Earning, Part 2

Supporting Question #3

• Unpaid Work Reading for Information Piece
• T-Chart Activity
• Interview Activity

Lesson 3 Lesson Plan

Supporting Question #1

• Video- Wants, Part 1
• Literacy Piece- Birthday Wants
• Dessert Activity

Supporting Question #2

• Video- Wants, Part 2
• Consumer Spending Reading for Information Piece
• Wants Writing Activity

Supporting Question #3

• Video- Scarcity
• Scarcity- Choice- Opportunity Cost Reading for Information Piece