Money Moves PlanMoney Moves Sequence Overview & Facilitator Guide Audience 7th Grade Group Objective Over three 45-minute sessions, students will learn to set a budget, practice making purchases, calculate change, compare prices, and reflect on spending to build foundational financial literacy. The "Why" "Understanding budgeting, making smart spending decisions, and handling money accurately empowers students toward financial independence and real-world readiness." Timeframe 3 Sessions 45 minutes each Approach Hands-on Simulations Guided Role-Plays Prepare Materials Review the Shopping Simulation Overview slide deck Familiarize yourself with Storefront Role-Play rules and role scripts Print enough copies of the Price Comparison Chart for each student Prepare reflection prompts from the Spending Reflection handout Prep Time 20 Minutes Sequence Roadmap 1 Budgeting Basics & Shopping Simulation 45 Minutes Introduce key budgeting terms and goals using the Shopping Simulation Overview deck. Model how to set a spending limit and choose items from a sample catalog. In pairs, students draft a shopping list that stays within a set budget. Run the shopping simulation: each pair “purchases” items and tracks spending. Quick Share: Each group reports their total spent and remaining budget. 2 Calculating Change & Role-Play 45 Minutes Recap Session 1: discuss challenges staying under budget. Demonstrate step-by-step change calculations with sample transactions. Students practice calculating change problems in small groups. Facilitate the Storefront Role-Play: students alternate cashier and customer roles. Provide immediate feedback and correct common errors. 3 Price Comparison & Reflection 45 Minutes Introduce strategies for comparing prices (unit price, discounts). Students complete the Price Comparison Chart using prices from multiple “stores”. Small-group discussion: which option offers the best value and why. Distribute the Spending Reflection and guide students to reflect on choices. Closing Assessment: Each student shares one strategy they’ll apply in the future.
Shopping Simulation SlidesMoney Moves Shopping Simulation Overview Teacher notes: Welcome students and introduce the day’s activity. Emphasize how practicing real-world shopping skills prepares them for everyday decisions. Session Objectives 1 Define budgeting and essential shopping terms 2 Set a spending limit and track purchases 3 Practice making transactions and calculating totals Teacher notes: Read each objective aloud and clarify any questions. Ensure students understand the goals before moving on. Key Terms Budget Money you plan to spend Purchase An item you buy Receipt Proof of purchase with prices Remaining Balance Money left after buying items Change Money returned when you pay more than the cost Teacher notes: Explain each term with simple examples. Ask for student definitions to check understanding. Sample Budget Example Starting Budget $20.00 Notebook -$4.50 New Balance $15.50 Snack -$2.00 New Balance $13.50 Pencil Set -$3.25 TOTAL LEFT $10.25 Teacher notes: Walk through the sample: start with $20, subtract each item’s cost, show balance after each purchase. Simulation Steps 1 Get a $20 budget card in pairs 2 Choose items from the catalog 3 Record each purchase & subtract 4 Total your spending 5 Turn in itemized list Teacher notes: Go step-by-step and display this slide throughout the activity. Encourage students to check off each step as they proceed. Tips & Reminders Keep your math work neat for easy checking Ask your partner to verify totals Use scratch paper for subtraction practice Stay within your budget—no borrowing! Teacher notes: Highlight helpful strategies: double-check subtraction, ask questions, collaborate with your partner.
Storefront Role Play GameStorefront Role-Play Facilitator Activity Guide Session 2 Cashier Challenge Activity Overview Get ready to put your budgeting and calculation skills into action! In this interactive game, students will take on the roles of cashier and customer to practice real-world transactions, from totaling costs to giving correct change. Preparation Set up 4–6 checkout stations with play money, item cards, and receipt sheets. Shuffle and place scenario cards face-down in a “customer envelope.” Pair students and assign each pair a station number. Materials List Play money (bills & coins) Item cards or price tags Receipt templates Calculators or register mats Scenario cards (included below) Customer Draw a scenario card and select items accordingly. Hand money to the cashier. Check the receipt and count the change received. Cashier Greet the customer politely. List items and calculate the total cost. Accept payment and give correct change. Fill out the receipt template clearly. Gameplay Instructions 1. Review polite phrases: (e.g., “Hello! That will be $4.25.” / “Thank you, have a great day!”). 2. Demonstrate: Perform one full transaction with a volunteer. 3. Play: Customer draws scenario; gathers items. 4. Transaction: Cashier totals, accepts payment, returns change. 5. Switch: After each transaction, partners switch roles. Aim for 3 rounds. 6. Feedback: Teacher circulates to correct miscalculations. Scenario Cards 01 Scenario You have $5.00. Buy a snack ($1.50) and a drink ($1.25). How much do you pay? What is your change? 02 Scenario You want a notebook ($3.75) and a pencil ($0.50). You pay with a $5 bill.
Price Comparison Chart WorksheetPrice Comparison Chart Money Moves: Session 3 Name: Date: How to Compare Use the table below to record prices for each item at three different stores. Calculate the unit price (the cost for one item or one lb) to find the best deal. ItemStore A PriceStore B PriceStore C PriceUnit Price (Best)Value ✓Granola Bars(6-pack)$ _____$ _____$ _____$ _____/barBottled Water(12-pack)$ _____$ _____$ _____$ _____/btl | | Apples (Per lb) | $ _____ | $ _____ | $ _____ | $ _____/lb | | | Chocolate Bars (4-pack) | $ _____ | $ _____ | $ _____ | $ _____/bar | | | Pasta (16 oz box) | $ _____ | $ _____ | $ _____ | $ _____/oz | | Price Reflection 1. Which store offered the lowest price overall for most items? Explain your answer. 2. If you needed to purchase two of each item, which store would save you the most money? Show your reasoning. 3. Describe one strategy you used to compare prices and decide on the best value. 4. How might sales tax or coupons affect your choice of store? Provide an example. Real-World Connection Think about a time you bought something—how could you apply today’s price comparison skills to that purchase? When you’re finished, compare your answers in small groups and discuss any differences.
Spending Reflection Cool DownSpending Reflection Money Moves Module Wrap-Up Name: Date: Use the prompts below to think about what you learned during the Money Moves module. Write your responses in the space provided. 1 What was the most challenging part of setting and sticking to a budget? How did you overcome that challenge? 2 Describe one strategy you used to calculate change quickly and accurately. How might you use this strategy outside of class? 3 When comparing prices across different stores, what tip helped you find the best value? Explain how you applied it. Future Planning Think about a real purchase you or your family will make soon. How will you use your new skills to make a smarter choice? 5 Personal Money Goal What is one personal money-management goal you will set for yourself after completing this module? How will you track your progress? Examples: "I will save 20% of my allowance" or "I will compare prices before buying snacks at the mall." Share & Discuss Pair up with a classmate and share one reflection you feel was most impactful. Discuss any new ideas you gained from their response.
