Lesson Plans
Dictionary Term Focus: Save
Core Concept Across All Grades
Saving is a habit that involves keeping some money instead of spending it right away. When children practice saving consistently, they build habits that support future choices, goals, and financial confidence over time.
K–2 Lesson Plan
Grade Band: K–2 (Ages 5–7)
Big Ideas
Saving is a habit.
I can save some of my money instead of spending it right away.
Saving a little helps me have money later.
Learning Objectives
Learners can:
Recognize and understand the word save
Explain that saving means keeping some money instead of spending it right away
Identify simple examples of saving money
Standards Alignment
Council for Economic Education (CEE): Saving
Jump$tart Coalition: Saving and Spending
National Financial Educators Council (NFEC): Money habits
CASEL: Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making
Materials
Dictionary definition of Save (kid-friendly version)
Piggy bank (real or picture)
Play coins or counters
Picture cards showing saving vs. spending
Lesson Flow (15–20 minutes)
1. Word Introduction & Sound Familiarity (2 minutes)
Teacher says:
“Today’s word is save.”
Have students:
Listen to the word
Say the word together: “Save.”
Say it once more slowly: “Save.”
Teacher uses the word in simple sentences:
“I save some of my money.”
“Saving is a habit.”
Explain:
“Today we are going to learn what the word save means.”
2. Simple Definition & Meaning (3 minutes)
Teacher says and displays the definition:
“To save means to keep some of your money instead of spending it right away.”
Have students repeat the sentence together once.
Teacher gives a concrete example:
“If I get four coins and save two, I do not spend them.”
“That is saving.”
3. Warm-Up Conversation: Everyday Connections (3 minutes)
Ask:
“Where do people keep money they are saving?”
“Have you ever seen a piggy bank or savings jar?”
Reinforce:
“When you keep money for later, you are saving.”
4. Bridge to Money Habits (3 minutes)
Teacher says:
“Saving is something we can practice again and again. That’s why saving is called a habit.”
Ask:
“What happens if we save some money instead of spending it?”
“What might we use saved money for later?”
Offer examples if needed:
“A toy”
“A book”
“Something you really need”
Reinforce:
“Saving helps us have money later.”
5. Read & Discuss the Definition (4 minutes)
Read the kid-friendly dictionary definition of save again.
Ask:
“Do we spend saved money right away?”
“What are we doing when we save?”
Key idea to reinforce:
“Saving means waiting.”
6. Guided Practice (3 minutes)
Show coins and ask:
“Should we save this coin or spend it?”
“Where should saved money go?”
Students respond using the sentence frame:
“I save my money.”
7. Practice Activity: Save or Spend (3–4 minutes)
Students act out:
Getting money
Choosing to save some
Putting it in a piggy bank
Teacher reinforces:
“Saving money is a great habit.”
Assessment (Informal)
Students can:
Explain what saving means
Identify an example of saving
Take-Home Connection
“Talk with someone at home about one way you saved or could save money.”
Grades 3–5 Lesson Plan
Grade Band: 3–5 (Ages 8–10)
Big Idea
Saving is a habit that helps me prepare for the future and gives me more choices later.
Learning Objectives
Students can:
Explain the meaning of the word save
Identify examples of saving and not saving
Describe why saving money is helpful
Standards Alignment
CEE: Saving; Decision Making
Jump$tart Coalition: Saving and Spending
NFEC: Financial behavior awareness
CASEL: Self-Control, Reflection
Materials
Dictionary definition of Save (kid and grown-up versions)
Scenario cards (save now vs. spend now)
Chart paper or board
Lesson Flow (20–25 minutes)
1. Word Reintroduction & Meaning Check (4 minutes)
Teacher says:
“Today’s word is save.”
Ask:
“How would you explain what it means to save money?”
Read the kid-friendly definition.
Invite students to restate it in their own words.
Reinforce:
“Saving means keeping some money for later.”
2. Warm-Up Question (4 minutes)
Ask:
“What are some things people save money for?”
List responses.
3. Read & Analyze the Definition (5 minutes)
Read the grown-up definition.
Ask:
“Why do people save money?”
“What happens if we spend all our money right away?”
Write on the board:
Save → Later Choices
4. Scenario Activity (8–10 minutes)
Present scenarios and ask:
“What happens if you save here?”
“What happens if you spend everything?”
Introduce language:
“Saving now can help later.”
5. Reflection (4–5 minutes)
Students complete:
“Saving helps me by…”
“One thing I want to save money for is…”
Assessment (Informal)
Students can:
Explain what saving means
Identify saving vs. spending
Describe why saving is helpful
Take-Home Extension
“Notice one time this week when someone saves money.”
Grades 6–8 Lesson Plan
Grade Band: 6–8 (Ages 11–13)
Big Idea
Saving is a habit that supports goals, security, and future opportunities.
Learning Objectives
Students can:
Clearly define the word save
Analyze how saving affects future choices
Explain how saving consistently builds financial stability
Standards Alignment
CEE: Saving; Decision Making
Jump$tart Coalition: Financial Responsibility
NFEC: Informed financial behavior
CASEL: Self-Management, Goal Setting
Materials
Dictionary definition of Save
Scenario analysis worksheet
Optional goal-reflection worksheet
Lesson Flow (30 minutes)
1. Word Reintroduction & Precision Check (5 minutes)
Teacher says:
“Today’s focus word is save.”
Ask:
“How would you define saving money?”
“Why is saving considered a habit?”
Read and refine definitions.
2. Opening Question (5 minutes)
Ask:
“How does saving money affect future options?”
Discuss habits and patterns.
3. Definition Discussion & Framing (5 minutes)
Ask:
“What problems can saving help prevent?”
“What opportunities can saving create?”
Connect to:
Emergencies
Goals
Independence
4. Scenario Comparison (10 minutes)
Compare:
Saving consistently
Spending everything
Ask:
“Who has more options later?”
“Who feels more prepared?”
5. Personal Application (5 minutes)
Students write:
One thing they could save for
One saving habit they could build
One future benefit of saving
Assessment
Students can:
Define saving accurately
Explain saving as a habit
Connect saving to future outcomes
Real-World Extension
Connect to:
Allowances and earnings
Savings accounts
Advertising and impulse spending
Teacher Notes
Emphasize progress, not perfection
Reinforce saving as a habit, not a one-time action
Highlight “save a little every time”
Pair with dictionary lessons for Money, Choice, Spend, and Goal
Bottom Line
The word Save helps students understand that saving money is a habit that supports future choices and goals. By learning what saving means, seeing examples, and practicing the habit, children begin building confidence, preparation, and control over their financial future.
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