Third Grade

Our Third Grade curriculum ties into the Social Studies theme of "Communities, Near & Far."  By the end of the lessons, they should be able to explain how income is taxed and how local governments provide goods and services, describe the important role banks play in an economy, and be introduced to the concept of borrowing.  By teaching this unit, all Financial Literacy and Economics standards are met, coupled with many of the inquiry standards as well.

Introduction to Curriculum

Letter from the Treasurer

Curriculum Unit- You can download the entire unit as a booklet at this link.

If you would like to view the unit broken down into invidividual lessons and activities, please see below.

Lesson 1 Lesson Plan

Supporting Question #1?

• Video- How Do People Spend Money?
• Characteristics of Money- Reading for Information
• Fact/Opinion Sheet
• Fact/Opinion Answer Sheet

Supporting Question #2

• A Day in the Life of Money- Reading for Information & Creative Writing Activity
• How People Use Money- Reading for Information 
• Benjamin Franklin Quote- Reflection Writing Activity

Supporting Question #3

• Video- What Makes Money Valuable?
• Video- Fiat and Commity Money
• Fiat and Commodity Money- Reading for Information 
• The Value of a Penny-Reading for Information
• Venn Diagram Activity
• Opinion Piece

Lesson 2 Lesson Plan

Supporting Question #1

• Video- Young Entrepreneurs, 10 year old lemonade stand & marketplace owner
• Video- Young Entrepreneurs, 11 year old's bow tie concept
• Video- Young Entrepreneurs, Bow Tie Follow Up 
• Video- Young Entrepreneurs, NBA Bow Tie Deal
• Video- Young Entrepreneurs, 11 year old and her Sweet Bee product
• Video- Young Entrepreneurs,  14 year old and first aid vending machine
• Location and Jobs- Reading for Information 
• Largest Employers in Midwest States
• Jobs in Illinois' Cities- Data Chart
• Illinois Map Activity
• Write a Letter Activity

Supporting Question #2

• Decisions- Reading for Information
• Professional Athletes- Reading for Information
• Interest Inventory
• Career Activity

Supporting Question #3

• Wages in Illinois Data Chart
• Skilled Workers- Reading for Information
• American Entertainers- Reading for Information
• Business Owners- Reading for Information
• Chart Activity
• Venn Diagram Activity
• Debate Activity

Lesson 3 Lesson Plan

Supporting Question #1

• Marshmallow Activity Instructions
• Choices- Reading for Information
• Spending Versus Saving- Reading for Information
• Maximum Satisfaction Activity

Supporting Question #2

• Banks in Your Community- Reading for Information
• 3-2-1 Bridge Activity
• Bumper Sticker Activity
• Skit Activity

Supporting Question #3

• Large Purchases- Reading for Information
• Interest Activity
• Interest Activity Teacher Key
• Decision Making Grid Activity
• Decision Making Grid Class Example
• Reasonable Responses Activity

Market Day Culminating Activity

• Instructions
• Letter to Parents/Guardians
• Business Plan
• Consumer Survey
• Money
• Reflection