Introduction
With over 25 years of experience in the financial literacy education space, our work consistently shows that children build stronger money habits when financial learning is connected to dreams, goals, and personal purpose. This page highlights how the song “Big Ol’ Dream!” aligns with national and state financial literacy standards for grades K–8, helping students understand the role of goal-setting, planning, confidence, and preparation in shaping their future.
Big Ol’ Dream! is designed to inspire children to dream boldly—while reinforcing the idea that dreams become achievable when paired with planning, preparation, and action.
Song Overview
Song: Big Ol’ Dream!
Primary Financial Concept:
Dreaming big, setting goals, and preparing for the future through intentional planning and effort.
Primary Category:
Grow & Plan
Goals & Dreams
Planning & Preparation
Habits & Responsibility
Supporting Concepts:
Money Is a Tool
Decision Making
Earning & Learning
Self-Belief and Confidence
Key Message:
Big dreams are possible for everyone—but achieving them requires courage, planning, preparation, and consistent effort.
National Standards Alignment
Council for Economic Education (CEE)
National Standards for Personal Financial Education
Standard 1: Decision Making
Grade Bands: K–2 | 3–5 | 6–8
Effective decision making requires comparing costs and benefits.
How the song aligns:
Encourages students to think ahead and make intentional choices
Reinforces that actions today affect future outcomes
Builds awareness of planning before acting
Standard 6: Planning and Goal Setting
Grade Bands: K–2 | 3–5 | 6–8
How the song aligns:
Reinforces setting goals and visualizing success
Encourages preparation and persistence
Connects dreams to actionable steps
Jump$tart Coalition
National Standards in K–12 Personal Finance Education
Financial Decision Making & Planning
Grade Bands: K–2 | 3–5 | 6–8
How the song aligns:
Encourages goal-setting and forward thinking
Reinforces planning as a tool for success
Supports long-term thinking over short-term fear
National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)
Core Financial Literacy Framework
Grade Bands: K–2 | 3–5 | 6–8
How the song aligns:
Builds goal-oriented behavior
Reinforces personal responsibility and confidence
Encourages belief in achievable outcomes
Social-Emotional Learning (CASEL)
Competencies:
Self-Awareness · Responsible Decision-Making · Self-Management
How the song aligns:
Encourages self-belief and confidence
Helps students manage fear and uncertainty
Reinforces perseverance and optimism
Standards Alignment by Grade Band
K–2 (Ages 5–7): Dreaming Big
Big idea: I can have dreams and believe in myself.
Encourages positive self-belief
Introduces dreams as something everyone can have
Reinforces confidence and curiosity
Grades 3–5 (Ages 8–10): Dreams + Planning
Big idea: Dreams become stronger when I plan.
Introduces goal-setting and preparation
Reinforces thinking ahead
Encourages effort and persistence
Grades 6–8 (Ages 11–13): Turning Dreams Into Reality
Big idea: Big dreams require action and commitment.
Reinforces planning and follow-through
Encourages long-term thinking
Builds responsibility and motivation
State-Level Standards Alignment (Selected States)
Big Ol’ Dream! aligns with financial literacy, career readiness, and goal-setting standards across multiple states:
California (CA): Goal-setting, planning, and future decision-making
Texas (TX): Personal responsibility and planning for the future
New York (NY): Economic decision-making and career awareness
Washington (WA): Planning and future readiness
Ohio (OH): Goal-setting and responsible decision-making
Iowa (IA): Life skills and future planning
Utah (UT): Goal-setting and preparation
Wisconsin (WI): Habits, planning, and long-term thinking
Massachusetts (MA): Responsible planning and goal-setting
Why This Song Works in the Classroom
Inspires confidence and optimism
Connects dreams to planning and effort
Supports both financial literacy and SEL standards
Encourages students to see themselves as capable and empowered
Bottom line:
Big Ol’ Dream! helps children understand that dreaming big is important—but turning dreams into reality takes planning, preparation, and belief in oneself.
Download the Standards Alignment PDF
If you’d like a downloadable PDF version of this standards alignment for classroom use, curriculum review, or district adoption, please contact us. We’re happy to provide a printable version aligned with national and state standards.
More Resources Supporting the Song
Additional Songs and Fun Resources
Keep:
kids listening, learning, singing and growing with a FREE or PREMIUM Money School Memberships.
parents, teachers, and community leaders learning and growing their financial literacy teaching skills by reading Sam X Renick's series of articles: Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
delivering financial education at home, in school, and other venues with Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum!
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