By reading aloud with our kids, we can boost their interest in
reading and their fundamental literacy skills, including reading ability and comprehension,
vocabulary, listening comprehension, attention span, and ability to articulate
thoughts. Being read to by an adult also helps build a kid’s self-esteem and
confidence.
We have gathered some fun stories you can add to your
reading list that can expand your kids’ awareness and ideas about spending
money wisely. Mmmm, spending — one of our favorite topics (and did
we mention, one of our favorite pastimes?).
When
To Do
Bedtime or a quiet hour before dinner
What
To Do
Here are three storybooks to share with your kids —
all focused on spending lessons.
1.
Title: You Can’t Buy a
Dinosaur with a Dime, by Harriet Ziefert
Ages:
4 and older
Not
at your library? Amazon
Link
What
it’s all about: Your young reader will follow the story of
Pete, a dinosaur-loving boy who saves up to buy himself a toy dinosaur. Pete
uses all his savings for the new toy. Then he realizes that although he loves his
new dinosaur, he is also sad to not have any money in his bank jar. With the
help of interactive questions, you can help your kids relate to the story and
learn simple basics about spending money.
2.
Title: The Berenstain Bears’
Dollars and Sense by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Ages:
4 to 8
Not
at your library? Amazon
link
What
it’s all about: Like most kids, Brother and Sister Bear sure
know how to spend money. Whether it’s for ice cream or balloons, they can go
through their allowance before they know it’s gone. But what they don’t know is
how to manage their money. This story will teach your kids that there is
nothing wrong with spending money, but it’s always smart to understand the
value of money and how to save it. The book also includes tear-out checks that
kids can use, just like in the book!
3.
Title: Bunny Money by
Rosemary Wells
Ages:
3 to 8
Not
at your library? Amazon
Link
What
it’s all about: The beloved bunnies Max and Ruby have saved
enough money to buy a present for their grandma’s birthday. Ruby already has an
idea of what they want to buy, but Max has other ideas. One thing leads to
another, until they’ve spent most of their money but still haven’t bought a
gift! In the end it all works out, and Grandma is extremely pleased with the
gifts she receives from her favorite grandchildren. See what your kids think
about how Ruby planned and saved enough money to buy something she wanted, how
to spend money wisely (unlike Max), and how you can spend too much money
without realizing it.
What
You Will Need
Visit your local library or bookstore if you do not
have copies of the suggested books.
Talk
About It
After reading any one of the books with your kids, can
they think of ways they have seen money spent well? Spent poorly? Is there anything
they have ever bought and later decided they did not like anymore? If so, do
they know why?
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