Elmo Learns to Save
Sing along to a song about saving.
Every goal starts with taking a first step. Teaching kids to save money by collecting in a specific place—such as a piggy bank or a jar—shows kids concretely how much they are saving. Put a little change in every so often so they see how to save over time. Every time you save up to a certain small, new amount, celebrate by doing a fun “I Can Save” dance!
- Start first with simple goals that kids can achieve over a short period of time. Once they master simple goals, like saving to buy a small treat, try setting larger goals that require saving over longer periods of time. Understanding how to wait for what they want can help kids learn to save for important things later in life.
- Elmo and his friends count the dollars he earns and saves. You can also use this opportunity to discuss how math concepts are used in everyday situations. What happens each time Elmo adds a dollar to his jar?
Elmo’s Spend, Share, and Save Jars
Watch Elmo and Abby learn financial education basics.
Making a Spending Plan Together
Watch Cookie Monster learn about making a plan.
Wants and Needs with Bert and Ernie: Financial Education for Kids
Watch Bert help Ernie learn the difference between wants and needs.
For Me, For You, For Later: Family Spending, Sharing, and Saving
A guide with resources, activities, and tips on how and why to start children’s financial education early and how to talk to children during tough financial times.
How to Talk to Kids During Tough Financial Times
An article about how and why to talk about money as a family even when financial times are tough.
You’re Doing Great! Financial Education for Families
An article about how to stay strong and connected as a family during tough financial times.
For Me, For You, For Later: First Steps to Spending, Sharing, and Saving—Educator Guide
A guide with resources, activities, and tips for educators on bringing financial literacy into the classroom.
