#smartchoicesforkids

[teachingenglishtokids]

Teach Kids to Save Money: Fun Lesson Plan with Story and Printable Chart (Ages 4–8)

Teaching young children about money doesn't have to be complicated—it can be fun, meaningful, and even magical with the help of stories.

In this lesson plan, we use the heartwarming YouTube story “Clink, Clink! Laura Learns to Save” to introduce the powerful concept of saving vs. spending. With relatable characters, clear messages, and hands-on activities, children ages 4–8 will begin to understand that the small choices they make today can lead to exciting rewards tomorrow.

Whether you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or parent, this simple lesson will spark thoughtful conversations and smart money habits from an early age.

🌟 Lesson Plan: “Clink, Clink! Laura Learns to Save”

Topic: Saving vs. Spending Age Group: 4–8 years old Length: 30–40 minutes

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will understand the concept of saving and spending, identify examples of each, and begin to apply the idea of saving money for a goal.

🎬 1. Warm-Up / Video Viewing (5–7 minutes)

Activity: Watch the YouTube video: Clink, Clink! Laura Learns to Save

Ask students to listen carefully to what Laura wants and how she decides to get it.

Discussion Prompt (after viewing):

What did Laura want to buy?

How did she get the money?

What did she do each time she found coins?

How did Laura feel when she finally bought her puzzle?

💬 2. Guided Discussion (7–10 minutes)

Explain the Concepts:

Spending means using money right away to buy something.

Saving means keeping your money so you can buy something bigger or later.

Questions to Ask:

What are some things you might want to save for?

Is it easy or hard to wait to buy something?

Why is saving a smart idea?

✍️ 3. Activity: Spend or Save Chart (10–15 minutes)

Materials Needed:

Printable Spend or Save Chart (click on the chart and download)

Crayons or markers

Stickers (optional)

Instructions:

Give each child a chart.

Pretend you are giving them play coins (or draw coins).

Each day (or example), they decide: Do I save it, or do I spend it?

Check "Save" or “Spend” circle.

Tip: Encourage drawing a picture of or writing what they’re saving for at the bottom of the chart!

🧠 4. Wrap-Up Reflection (5 minutes)

Ask:

What did you learn today about money?

What will you try to save for?

Closure Statement: “Laura showed us that when you save little by little, you can reach big goals! You can do it too!”

📚 Extension/Home Connection

Send a chart home and encourage families to start a real savings jar.

Encourage kids to set a goal and tell a grown-up what they are saving for.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Money lessons don’t need to wait until kids are older—planting the seeds early builds lifelong habits. By connecting the story of Laura to real-life choices, kids begin to see that saving money isn’t just smart—it’s also satisfying!

With engaging visuals and a printable “Spend or Save Chart,” this lesson gives children a hands-on way to practice what they learn. Keep the conversation going at home or in the classroom and help little learners grow into thoughtful savers.