Me and Money

Summary

Me and Money (Ja a peniaze) is an educational practice designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of financial literacy and civic responsibility. Targeted at students aged 6–10 (grades 0–3), the program integrates learning into subjects such as Financial Literacy, Civic Education, Ethics, and Mathematics. The aim of the program is to teach students to understand basic concepts in financial literacy and to acquire fundamental skills for effectively managing and planning their financial future.

Key activities and Student Experience

Students engage with interactive stories about Filip and his family, through which they explore practical scenarios related to saving, budgeting, and making responsible financial decisions. Learning is enriched through experiential activities, workshops, games, debates, and brainstorming exercises. These tasks develop entrepreneurial competencies such as spotting opportunities, creativity, valuing ideas, ethical thinking, self-awareness, perseverance, initiative, planning, teamwork, and learning through experience. Students gain foundational financial knowledge and apply it in realistic, practice-oriented situations, strengthening problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making skills.

Program Features and Principles

The practice combines narrative storytelling with active, hands-on learning approaches, emphasizing ethical and responsible attitudes toward money. Unique features include the integration of civic and financial education, fostering social competence, teamwork, and empathy. By situating learning in relatable, real-life scenarios, the program encourages children to take responsibility for themselves, others, and their environment. The practice emphasizes engagement, reflection, and the development of positive attitudes toward entrepreneurship and financial literacy from an early age.

Methodology and Structure

Me and Money is structured as a series of lessons supported by teaching texts, workbooks, and interactive materials. The program applies experiential learning and active teaching methods, with topics carefully structured so that students can understand, expand, and strengthen their abilities. Learning texts are enriched with illustrations, student worksheets, experiential activities, and a methodological section for teachers. It employs learning-by-doing, structured workshops, classroom group activities, and gamified elements. Lessons are designed to actively engage students in understanding concepts such as saving, budgeting, and managing resources while promoting critical thinking and collaborative skills. Online resources available via the program’s website complement classroom activities. The content is divided into seven chapters: Money (Money makes the world go round), Income and Expenses (Income – No work, no cake; Expenses – Everything has its price), Household Management (Count everything properly first!), The Bank as Money Manager (Wealth is what you save, not what you spend), How We Pay (Money makes the world go round), Debt? (Money doesn’t grow on trees), and Risk and Insurance (Money does not fall from the sky).

Expected Outcomes and Value

Students participating in Me and Money are expected to develop basic entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, self-confidence, initiative, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. They learn to apply knowledge practically, anticipate consequences, and develop responsible financial habits. For teachers, the program provides a comprehensive, ready-to-use toolkit, including stories, exercises, and activity guides, which enhance lesson planning, student engagement, and cross-curricular integration. Overall, Me and Money serves as a model of early entrepreneurship education that combines ethical, civic, and financial learning in an interactive and meaningful way.