First Grade
Our first-grade curriculum introduces students to money and its value in everyday life. By the end of the lessons, they should be able to explain what money is, how people earn income from work, and the concept of opportunity cost. This unit helps students understand money’s role in daily decisions and why it matters. It meets financial literacy standards, economics standards, and inquiry standards, including the specific standards aligned to this unit.
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!
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
Supporting Question #3
Lesson 3 Lesson Plan
Supporting Question #1
Supporting Question #2
Supporting Question #3