5Money

Summary

5Money is an educational practice from Slovakia that introduces children in the first years of primary school (grades 0–3, ages 6–8) to the fundamentals of financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking. It is integrated into subjects such as Ethics, Mathematics, and Slovak Language. The main objective is to foster positive financial habits, basic economic awareness, and responsible attitudes toward money from an early age. By engaging children in playful yet structured activities, the program aims to build the foundation for entrepreneurial skills and sustainable decision-making.

Key activities and Student Experience

The central activities involve interactive games, simulations, debates, and problem-solving exercises that translate financial concepts into age-appropriate scenarios. Children learn through educational videos, workbooks, and guided discussions about topics such as value, money management, planning, and the consequences of financial decisions. These activities encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while developing skills like planning, coping with risk, and learning from experience. Students are encouraged to value ideas, make ethical choices, and explore the importance of financial literacy in everyday life.

Program Features and Principles

The uniqueness of 5Money lies in its child-friendly approach to complex topics such as financial planning and economic literacy. It emphasizes experiential learning, problem-based tasks, and playful simulations that connect abstract financial concepts with children’s daily experiences. Core principles include ethical and sustainable thinking, responsibility, and an emphasis on positive attitudes toward money and resources. The practice encourages students to reflect on their choices, anticipate consequences, and develop resilience in decision-making.

Methodology and Structure

The program is structured around short, thematic modules supported by a wide range of didactic resources, including textbooks, workbooks, online materials, and interactive games. Methodologically, it applies experiential and inquiry-based learning, problem-based tasks, brainstorming, debates, and differentiated instruction tailored to younger learners. Learning takes place in interactive lessons that combine storytelling, play, and reflection, helping children grasp key terms such as “resources,” “planning,” “investment,” and “risk” in an accessible way.

Expected Outcomes and Value

The practice helps children develop an entrepreneurial mindset, confidence, and basic financial skills such as planning and economic reasoning. Students learn to make responsible decisions, understand the value of resources, and develop resilience when facing uncertainty. For teachers, 5Money offers a ready-to-use set of high-quality materials, digital resources, and structured lesson plans that increase student engagement while making financial and entrepreneurial education accessible even at the earliest stages of schooling. The program stands as a model of how early education can integrate financial literacy and entrepreneurship into the core curriculum in an innovative and age-appropriate manner.