Play Money
Use this pretend money to have some extra fun during dramatic play.
Print out a few copies of this page. Invite children to color and cut out the pretend money.
Use it in play activities such as:
- Setting up a pretend store (you might “sell” any items you have around you in your home) and taking turns being a store clerk and customer
- Making a pretend restaurant
- Setting up a pretend business, such as a pet-grooming or barber shop, toy car wash, even joke-telling stand
- Children can practice sorting and counting the pretend money.
When children make up prices for their store, you can use the opportunity to talk about value—how important something is. “How much should we charge for the items in our store? Which item do you think should have the highest price? Which item should have the lowest price?”
Invite children to make their own piggy banks for saving, spending, and sharing their pretend money.
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.
Making a Spending Plan Together
Watch Cookie Monster learn about making a plan.
Elmo’s Spend, Share, and Save Jars
Watch Elmo and Abby learn financial education basics.
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: 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.
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.
