Did you know that people once traded cows, shells, and even salt instead of using money? Or that every country has its own unique currency, each with its own history and design? Money is part of our everyday lives, but understanding how it works—from earning and saving to budgeting and spending wisely—is an important life skill that children can build from an early age.
I’m so excited to share our All About Money Family Unit Study with you! Designed for families with children ages 4-12, this hands-on unit study explores the history of money, currencies from around the world, budgeting, banking, saving, spending, and so much more. Along the way, you will build real-world financial literacy while exploring math, geography, social studies, science, art, music, and life skills through creative, hands-on activities.
Below, I’m sharing all 10 topics included in the unit study, along with a peek at the hands-on activities you will enjoy together!
What is a Family Unit Study?
But first… what exactly is a Family Unit Study?
This unit study, like all of our ever-growing library of unit studies, takes one big theme—Money—and breaks it down into ten manageable, bite-sized learning topics filled with engaging activities for kids. This format gives you the freedom to dive into learning at a pace that works for your family. Perhaps you do one topic per day, perhaps one per week. Whatever suits your fancy! You can explore each topic from start to finish in about 1-2 hours each.
Dive in and watch the sparks of wonder ignite. Watch the child-led learning take off. Watch what happens when children are engaged in what they are learning!
Each of the 10 topics includes:
- an interesting fact,
- a discussion question,
- informative information,
- a curated YouTube video,
- a recommended book,
- a math or literacy enrichment question (with three difficulty levels),
- and an ultimate-can’t-be-beat hands-on activity!
Plus, all subjects are covered across the 10 topics! Geography, History, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Health, Literacy, and Math.
When everything connects across subjects, learning just makes more sense. Kids remember more, understand better, and actually enjoy the process. It’s the kind of learning that really sticks. 🙌
Before we make cents of it all (see what I did there?), I’d love to share a little something to make your homeschool days just a bit easier (because we all need that, right?).
Our Mini Homeschool Toolbox is a simple, go-to resource filled with helpful printables – like math charts, number lines, and writing supports – to keep your days organized and your lessons running smoothly.
It’s completely free and so handy to have on hand as you move through your homeschool routine. Simply enter your email address below, and a copy will be instantly delivered to your inbox.
All About Money Family Unit Study
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect with the All About Money Family Unit Study. Below are the 10 topics, along with some examples of the hands-on activities you will enjoy together.
Topic #1: What is Money?
Money hasn’t always looked the way it does today! Learn how people once traded goods through bartering, explore how coins, paper money, and even digital currency came to be, and create a hands-on timeline that traces the fascinating history of money from ancient times to today.
Topic #2: World Currency
Did you know that nearly every country has its own unique currency? Explore money from around the world, see how different currencies compare, and learn why countries use different forms of money. Then, put your geography skills to the test with a fun currency matching game that pairs currencies with their countries.
Topic #3: How is Money Made?
Have you ever wondered what money is actually made of? Discover how coins and paper bills are created using special materials and techniques that make them durable and difficult to copy. Put your creativity to work by designing your own unique coins and bills complete with personalized symbols, colors, and designs.
Topic #4: All About Coins
Coins may be small, but they have a big job! Learn how coins are made, what the different designs and symbols represent, and why each coin has its own value. Then, become a coin scientist as you test different household liquids to see which one cleans tarnished coins the best. What other liquids can you experiment with?
Topic #5: Making Change
Buying something is easy – but figuring out how much change you should get back takes some math! Learn how to calculate change using bills and coins, and discover why this everyday skill is so useful. Practice making purchases as you take turns being the shopkeeper and customer in a fun pretend store.
Topic #6: Needs and Wants
Every time we spend money, we make choices. Learn about the difference between needs and wants, learn why understanding both can help you make smart financial decisions, and head off on a scavenger hunt to sort everyday items into the correct category.
Topic #7: Bank Accounts & Saving Money
A bank is more than just a place to keep your money safe. Discover the difference between savings and chequing accounts, learn how interest helps your savings grow over time, and explore how banks help people reach their financial goals. In this hands-on activity, you’ll use coins to create a musical rhythm while exploring how interest can grow your money!
Topic #8: Making a Budget
A budget is a plan that helps you make smart choices with your money. Learn how income and expenses work together, understand why budgeting is an important life skill, and explore how a budget can help you reach your financial goals. Then it’s time to go shopping! Create a grocery budget by deciding which foods are needs, which are wants, and how to stay within your spending limit.
Topic #9: Spending Money
Your money can only go so far. Find out how thoughtful spending decisions can help you make the most of your money, why balancing wants with needs is important, and how a budget helps you prioritize what matters most. In this hands-on activity, you’ll design your dream bedroom while sticking to a $2,500 budget and making smart spending choices along the way.
Topic #10: Recording Your Spending
Keeping track of your money is just as important as earning it. Learn how recording your purchases helps you stay on budget, understand why it’s important to monitor your spending, and see how small purchases can quickly add up. Then, use a check register to track your dream bedroom purchases and calculate your remaining balance.
And there you have it! Ten exciting topics and hands-on activities that help build confidence with one of life’s most important skills: understanding money!
From exploring the history of money and currencies around the world to creating budgets, making change, and designing a dream bedroom while staying within a spending limit, the All About Money Family Unit Study brings financial literacy to life through creative, hands-on learning. Along the way, you will explore math, social studies, geography, science, art, music, and life skills, making this a truly cross-curricular learning experience.
I hope you’ll pop over to the shop, take a closer look, and see if the All About Money Family Unit Study is the perfect fit for your family!
All About Money Family Unit Study
https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-all-about-money
Thanks so much for reading, friend!
xo
Sarah
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