5-Day Elementary Curriculum Overview

Day 1: The Value of Money

Theme: Understanding Currency, Saving, and the Basics of Banking.

Activities:
• Introduction to physical and digital currency.
• Building a 'Mini Bank' classroom economy.
• Interactive saving goals workshop.

Learning Goals:
• Identify different forms of money.
• Understand why saving is important for future needs.

Materials:
• Play money kits, saving jars, and budgeting worksheets.

Day 2: Innovation & Problem Solving

Theme: Identifying community needs and creating unique value propositions.

Activities:
• Problem-solving scavenger hunt.
• Invention convention: Pitching a simple solution.
• Team-building exercises focused on collaboration.

Learning Goals:
• Connecting problems with innovative business ideas.
• Fostering a growth mindset through teamwork.

Materials:
• Sticky notes, poster paper, and household recycling for prototyping.

Day 3: Branding & Marketing

Theme: Creating a brand identity and communicating value to others.

Activities:
• Logo design workshop and brand storytelling.
• Creating a catchy jingle or commercial.
• Mock social media marketing challenge.

Learning Goals:
• Understand how logos and names represent a business.
• Learn the basics of persuasive communication.

Materials:
• Art supplies, tablets for design, and storyboarding templates.

Day 4: Investing & Global Currency

Theme: How money grows and how different cultures trade.

Activities:
• Introduction to stocks using familiar brands.
• The Global Marketplace: Trading different currencies.
• Compound interest visualization game.

Learning Goals:
• Grasp the concept of investing for long-term growth.
• Appreciate economic diversity across the globe.

Materials:
• World maps, exchange rate cards, and digital stock simulator.

Day 5: Kid Shark Tank Finale

Theme: Showcasing entrepreneurial skills through a final pitch event.

Activities:
• Final polish of business models and presentations.
• Kid Shark Tank: Pitching to local 'Sharks'.
• Awards ceremony and celebration of completion.

Learning Goals:
• Synthesize all learned concepts into a practical project.
• Build confidence in public speaking and presentation.

Materials:
• Microphones, presentation screens, certificates, and pitch decks.

Our Lesson

Day 1
- Understand different career paths and income types
- Learn how people get paid (hourly, salary, commission)
- Introduce basic tax concepts
Day 2
- Understand common expenses (housing, food, utilities)
- Differentiate between needs vs. wants
- Learn basic financial tools (checks, credit cards)
Day 3
- Understand interest and compound growth
- Learn basic stock market concepts
- Volatility, bull vs. bear, dividends, etc.
- Introduce major indices (S&P 500)
Day 4
- Understand what problems people are facing
- Learn why these problems are dealt with
- Develop a solution
Day 5
- Apply knowledge from the previous day
- Develop a brand identity
- Understand how to market a business