Kids Teens Money Maker

### **Lesson Plan: The Adventures of Sammy the Squirrel - Learning About Saving** #### **Age Group**: 6–9 years #### **Objective**: Students will understand the importance of saving by engaging with a playful story and applying real-world examples. --- ### **Materials Needed** 1. A stuffed squirrel or squirrel illustration (to represent "Sammy") 2. Story props (e.g., toy acorns, a small jar, play money) 3. Whiteboard or chart paper 4. Coloring sheets with saving-related themes (e.g., piggy banks) --- ### **Lesson Outline** #### **1. Introduction (10 minutes)** - Begin with a playful question: *"Who here likes squirrels? Did you know squirrels are amazing savers?"* - Introduce Sammy the Squirrel: *"This is Sammy! He’s a curious little squirrel with a big lesson to teach us about saving."* - Ask: *"What does it mean to save? Can we save things other than money?"* (Guide the discussion towards saving resources, toys, or money.) --- #### **2. Storytelling: Sammy's Big Adventure (15 minutes)** **Story**: *"One day, Sammy was playing in the forest when he saw his friend, Penny the Parrot, buying shiny feathers. Sammy wanted shiny feathers too! But when winter came, Sammy ran out of food. Luckily, his neighbor, Bella the Beaver, had saved plenty of twigs and nuts. Bella shared her savings, but she told Sammy, 'You should start saving too, just in case you need it later!'"* - **Interactive Elements**: - Have students help Sammy decide how to save his nuts (e.g., use a toy jar to collect pretend acorns). - Discuss the consequences of not saving, like Sammy not having enough nuts for winter. - Celebrate Sammy learning to save by giving him a "Golden Acorn" (a symbol for being wise). --- #### **3. Real-World Example and Discussion (10 minutes)** - Share relatable examples: - Saving for a toy by putting coins in a piggy bank. - Keeping some candy for later instead of eating it all at once. - Saving water by turning off the tap while brushing teeth. - Ask students to share something they would like to save for. Write their ideas on the board. --- #### **4. Activity: Build Your Savings Jar (15 minutes)** - **Objective**: Create a visual reminder of saving. - Provide small jars, stickers, and markers for students to decorate their "Savings Jar." - Encourage students to use their jars at home to save coins or other small treasures. --- #### **5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)** - Review Sammy’s story: *"What did Sammy learn about saving? Why is saving important?"* - Reinforce the idea: *"Saving helps us prepare for the future and gives us choices!"* - Share a closing thought: *"Next time you want something, remember Sammy and his acorns. Think about saving up for it!"* --- ### **Extension Activities** 1. **Saving Song**: Teach a simple song about saving to reinforce the concept. 2. **Family Connection**: Send a letter home encouraging parents to talk about saving with their child and use the savings jar together. --- ### **Assessment** - Observe participation during the story and activity. - Ask students to explain why saving is important in their own words. --- This lesson plan ensures that students not only understand saving but also see its practical application in a playful, memorable way.