📖

Money Is a Tool

Money Basics

Day 150of 180
Week 30of 36
20Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that money is a gift from God

2

Learn that money can be used to help others

3

Recognize different ways to use money wisely

Proverbs 3:9

Honor Yahweh with your wealth, and with the first fruits of all your increase.

Proverbs 3:9 (WEB)

God wants us to use money thoughtfully and generously

📦 Materials Needed

  • Small piggy bank or clear jar
  • Fake coins
  • Pictures of people helping others
  • Coloring sheet

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students in a circle and show piggy bank. Ask what they think money is for.

💭 Review Question: What have you seen grown-ups do with money?
2Teaching (7 min)

Money is a tool God gives us to help ourselves and others. We can use money to buy things we need, help people who are hungry, or support our church.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • God gives us money as a gift
  • Money can help people
  • We should be careful how we use money
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How can we use money to help someone?
  • What are some things people need?
  • How does Jesus want us to share?
3Activity: Sharing Coins Activity (5 min)
hands-on

Students practice sorting coins into three jars: spending, saving, and giving

📝 Instructions:
  1. Give each child three small jars
  2. Label jars 'Spend', 'Save', 'Give'
  3. Let children distribute fake coins
  4. Discuss why we might put coins in each jar
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Teacher helps place coins

Challenge: Students decide coin amounts independently

4Closing (3 min)

Remind students that God loves a cheerful giver

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did we learn about money today?
  • How can we help others with money?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for teaching us to be kind and helpful with the gifts you give us.

Coming up: Next week we'll learn more about saving money

Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break through and steal.

Matthew 6:20 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Hand motions of storing treasure in heaven

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

First grade is an ideal time to introduce basic financial stewardship

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use concrete examples
  • Focus on generosity over accumulation
  • Model wise money choices
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children may not understand abstract concept of money's value

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child showing interest in helping others, understanding sharing

Extension Activities

  • Create a family giving jar
  • Read children's books about generosity
  • Practice counting coins together

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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