Homeschool unit study - beginning money and economics

Teaching young children about money and economics is an important part of every education. This homeschool unit study is designed for young children in kindergarten or first and second grades. Not only does it teach the homeschool child to recognize and count both coins and paper money, it will teach them how to manage their money effectively.

Beginning economics homeschool unit study covers basic supply and demand, profits and loss, and budgeting.

Money and Economics Vocabulary

The homeschool unit study should include the names of monetary units such as penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar. Also include general finance terms like money, save, spend, and budget. Build the vocabulary and spelling list based on the grade level of your student.

Money and Economics Reading and Writing

Any library books about money or finances would be great for the homeschool unit study on money and finances. Some popular titles include: "The Coin Counting Book," "Funny Money," and "The Story of Money." Search the catalog at your local library for more. Any of these books would provide a great opportunity to write a basic fiction or non-fiction book report.

Your child might also like to read a book about the early systems of trade such as bartering, the National Mint where money is made, and stories about owning a shop or starting their own business. Writing a business plan for something simple like a lemonade stand is good practice.

Money and Economics Math Skills

When working with money and economics, math skills come into play a lot. While you can find money worksheets to print out for your homeschool unit study, it might be more fun to use real world examples. Go to a store and let your child add up the purchase prices to see what the total cost will be. Or set up a pretend store at home and your homeschool child can purchase toys or other items.

Money and Economics Arts and Crafts

The money and economics homeschool unit study can be rounded out by creating your very own piggy bank to save money in. Use a large plastic jar, four empty thread spools, a milk bottle top and some construction paper. Glue the spools on one side of the jar for the pig's legs. The milk bottle top should be glued onto the plastic jar lid as the pig's nose. Use the construction paper to make pig ears and a curly tail. A grown up can cut a slot in the top of the pig for the money to be put in.