Standards-Aligned Financial Literacy Lesson Plans on Making Good Money Choices. Featured Resource: Song — Make Your Choices Count!
Core Concept Across All Grades
Every choice matters. When children slow down, think things through, and act intentionally, they improve outcomes for themselves and others.
K–2 Lesson Plan
Grade Band: K–2 (Ages 5–7)
Big Idea
The choices I make matter.
Learning Objective (Student-Friendly)
“I can stop and think before I make a choice.”
Standards Alignment
CEE – Decision Making: Simple cause and effect
Jump$tart – Financial Decision Making: Intentional choices
NFEC: Responsibility and awareness
CASEL: Self-management and reflection
Materials
Picture cards showing simple choices (share vs. not share, save vs. spend, wait vs. rush)
Two signs: STOP & THINK and MAKE A CHOICE
Lesson Flow (15–20 minutes)
1. Warm-Up Conversation (3 minutes)
Ask:
“What choices did you make this morning?”
“Did any of those choices help you?”
Explain:
“Even small choices can make a big difference.”
2. Listen & Move (5 minutes)
Play the song and follow along with the lyrics.
Have students:
Freeze when they hear the word “choice”
Point to their head to show thinking
3. Guided Discussion (5 minutes)
Ask:
“What does the song say about choices?”
“What happens when we think before choosing?”
Key idea:
“Thinking first helps us choose better.”
4. Practice Activity (5 minutes)
Show a picture card and ask:
“What is one choice here?”
“What might happen next?”
Students respond by saying:
“I choose to think.”
Assessment (Informal)
Students can:
Explain that choices lead to results
Demonstrate pausing before deciding
Take-Home Connection
“Practice stopping and thinking before one choice today.”
Grades 3–5 Lesson Plan
Grade Band: 3–5 (Ages 8–10)
Big Idea
Good choices come from thinking things through.
Learning Objective
Students will explain how slowing down and comparing options leads to better decisions.
Standards Alignment
CEE – Decision Making: Comparing options
Jump$tart – Financial Decision Making: Evaluating choices
NFEC: Accountability and responsibility
CASEL: Self-control and reflection
Materials
Chart paper or board
Choice scenarios (spend now vs. save, rush vs. plan, buy vs. wait)
Lesson Flow (20–25 minutes)
1. Warm-Up Question (5 minutes)
Ask:
“Have you ever made a quick choice you wished you had thought about?”
Introduce:
“Thinking first gives you better options.”
2. Song Analysis (5 minutes)
Play the song and review the lyrics.
Ask:
“What message does the song give about choices?”
“Why do small choices matter?”
Write on the board:
Think → Choose → Outcome
3. Scenario Activity (10 minutes)
Present scenarios and ask:
“What are the choices?”
“What might happen with each choice?”
Discuss:
“Choosing one option often means not choosing another.”
4. Reflection (5 minutes)
Students complete:
“One choice I want to think more about is…”
“A good choice can help me…”
Assessment
Students can:
Identify multiple options in a situation
Explain how thinking first improves outcomes
Take-Home Extension
“Notice one choice you made today and reflect on the result.”
Grades 6–8 Lesson Plan
Grade Band: 6–8 (Ages 11–13)
Big Idea
My choices shape my future.
Learning Objective
Students will analyze how intentional decision-making affects long-term goals and outcomes.
Standards Alignment
CEE – Decision Making: Costs, benefits, and consequences
Jump$tart – Financial Decision Making: Evaluating alternatives
NFEC: Informed, responsible behavior
CASEL: Self-management, social awareness
Materials
Scenario comparison worksheet
Optional goal-setting worksheet
Lesson Flow (30 minutes)
1. Opening Question (5 minutes)
Ask:
“How can small choices today affect your future?”
Discuss habits and patterns.
2. Song Discussion (5 minutes)
Play the song and review the lyrics.
Ask:
“What does the song say about responsibility?”
“How do choices connect to goals?”
Introduce:
“Repeated choices become habits, and habits shape outcomes.”
3. Scenario Comparison (10 minutes)
Compare:
Person A thinks, plans, and chooses intentionally
Person B reacts quickly without thinking
Ask:
“Who has more control?”
“Who is more likely to reach their goals?”
4. Personal Application (10 minutes)
Students write:
One choice they make often
One way they could slow down and think
One future goal that choice affects
Assessment
Students can:
Explain how choices influence long-term outcomes
Connect daily decisions to goals and values
Real-World Extension
Connect to:
Spending decisions
Time management
Peer pressure
Goal planning
Teacher Notes (All Grades)
Emphasize thinking, not perfection
Avoid judgment; focus on learning
Reinforce that small choices add up
Pair with Wants and Needs, No Free Rides, and Budget!
Bottom Line
Make Your Choices Count helps children understand that thoughtful, intentional choices—made consistently—lead to better outcomes with money and in life.
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