1) Your HOW MIGHT WE QUESTION…. (make this your blog post subject)
How might we develop a meaningful K-9 financial literacy progression that naturally prepares students for the grade 10 MOE test while fostering genuine interest in financial learning beyond test requirements?
2) A reflection on how your thinking evolved and shifted throughout the 2nd face to face
Attending the second face-to-face session provided an opportunity for me tclarify and organize my thoughts regarding the integration of financial literacy into the Math curriculum. Initially, I had many ideas, but the step-by-step process of filling out the “Action Plan” helped me prioritize and structure my approach.
3) Insights into your Action Plan and what steps you will take between now and June
Discussions on How/Where Financial Literacy can be/is Integrated into the Math Curriculum by
Meeting with Math HOD:
- Discuss the significance of financial literacy and its relevance to the Math curriculum.
- Explore potential areas for integrating financial literacy concepts within the Math curriculum.
- Brainstorm engaging activities that can help students apply financial literacy skills, learnt in Math, to real-world financial scenarios.
Curriculum Mapping Approach in Senior School:
- Review the senior school Math curriculum to identify opportunities for integrating financial literacy concepts.
- Develop a curriculum map outlining key financial literacy concepts for each grade level.
- Identify specific Math units and topics where financial literacy can be seamlessly embedded.
4) What support do you need, and what questions do you still have?
- Dedicated time with the Math HOD and teachers to co-create integrated lessons.
- Access to high-quality financial literacy materials (lessons, activities, assessments) to save teachers time and effort.
- Guidance on assessing financial literacy within the math context.
- How can we make financial literacy engaging and relevant for students?
Hey @zladha – seems like you have a concrete action plan with steps to integrate financial literacy into K to Grade 9. Is there any benefit in focussing on developing units starting with grades 7-9 in preparation for the Grade 10 MOE test? Have you thought about any financial literacy resources that might support lesson planning? Do you think you will be able to get some release time from Admin to support curriculum development? Looking forward to seeing you on Friday. @ljensen
@zladha
Your How Might We question is incredibly timely and relevant—financial literacy is an essential life skill, and the fact that you’re thinking beyond just the Grade 10 MOE test shows your commitment to deep, meaningful learning. The K-9 progression approach ensures that students develop a strong foundation long before they reach the test, fostering real-world financial understanding.
I love how the second face-to-face helped you clarify and prioritize your approach. Breaking it into curriculum mapping, integration, and engaging activities will help ensure success. Below are some resources, strategies, and next steps to help support your action plan.
1️⃣ Strengthening Your Financial Literacy Curriculum Map
Since you’re focusing on how and where financial literacy can be naturally integrated into the Math curriculum, here are some key frameworks and resources that could guide your curriculum mapping:
📌 Curriculum Alignment Strategies:
✅ Crosswalk Financial Literacy & Math Standards – Look for overlaps (e.g., interest rates in algebra, budgeting in fractions).
✅ Use Real-World Scenarios – Frame financial literacy around authentic problems students will face (e.g., renting an apartment, taxes).
✅ Gradual Complexity – Design a K-9 pathway that builds on basic money concepts in lower grades and progresses to investment, debt, and financial planning in later grades.
📌 Resources for Mapping Financial Literacy into Math:
• Financial Literacy Scope & Sequence – Jumpstart Coalition: https://www.jumpstart.org/national-standards/
• Ontario Financial Literacy Education Guide: https://www.ontario.ca/page/financial-literacy
• Ministry of Education – Financial Literacy in Mathematics: https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/finance.html
📌 Reflection Question:
Would a visual progression chart help clarify how financial literacy builds through each grade?
2️⃣ Making Financial Literacy Engaging for Students
One of your core questions is: How do we make financial literacy engaging and relevant for students? Here are some student-centered strategies to boost engagement:
🎲 Gamified Learning & Simulations
• “Stock Market Challenge” – Have students track stock portfolios over a month.
• “Classroom Economy” – Give students “classroom dollars” for tasks and teach budgeting & saving.
• “Financial Escape Rooms” – Use interactive problem-solving to teach budgeting, taxes, and loans.
📌 Resources for Financial Literacy Games:
• FinCap Games & Simulations: https://www.fincap.org.uk/games-simulations
• BizKid$ – Interactive Budgeting & Business Games: https://bizkids.com/games
• Next Gen Personal Finance – Free Online Games: https://www.ngpf.org/arcade/
📌 Reflection Question:
Could project-based learning (like students planning an event with a budget) increase student ownership and engagement?
3️⃣ Creating Integrated Lessons with Your Math HOD & Teachers
Meeting with your Math HOD is a key next step, and your approach of co-creating lessons is smart. To streamline this process, consider:
✅ Starting with Existing Units – Find where concepts like percentages, decimals, and data analysis can naturally connect to financial literacy.
✅ Building Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans – Create lesson templates that are easy for teachers to implement.
✅ Using Case Studies – Bring in real-world financial dilemmas for students to solve using math.
📌 Financial Literacy Lesson Plans & Teacher Resources:
• Bank of Canada – Financial Literacy for Teachers: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/financial-literacy/
• Math & Financial Literacy Lesson Plans – PBS Learning: https://www.pbs.org/education/lesson-plans/financial-literacy
• Money and Youth – Financial Literacy Modules: https://moneyandyouth.com/
📌 Reflection Question:
Could a collaborative PD session with teachers help align financial literacy with existing math content?
3️⃣ Creating Integrated Lessons with Your Math HOD & Teachers
Meeting with your Math HOD is a key next step, and your approach of co-creating lessons is smart. To streamline this process, consider:
✅ Starting with Existing Units – Find where concepts like percentages, decimals, and data analysis can naturally connect to financial literacy.
✅ Building Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans – Create lesson templates that are easy for teachers to implement.
✅ Using Case Studies – Bring in real-world financial dilemmas for students to solve using math.
📌 Financial Literacy Lesson Plans & Teacher Resources:
• Bank of Canada – Financial Literacy for Teachers: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/financial-literacy/
• Math & Financial Literacy Lesson Plans – PBS Learning: https://www.pbs.org/education/lesson-plans/financial-literacy
• Money and Youth – Financial Literacy Modules: https://moneyandyouth.com/
📌 Reflection Question:
Could a collaborative PD session with teachers help align financial literacy with existing math content?
5️⃣ Connecting with Other Schools & Experts
If you want external insights, consider reaching out to:
📍 Other CAIS schools with financial literacy initiatives
📍 Non-profits & Banks (Many have financial literacy programs)
📍 Guest Speakers – Entrepreneurs, financial advisors, or even older students with financial projects
📌 Resource:
• Junior Achievement Financial Literacy Programs: https://www.jacanada.org/
📌 Reflection Question:
Would a student-led financial literacy club be an engaging way to extend learning beyond the classroom?
Zohra, your work is impactful because it goes beyond the test and focuses on real-world readiness.
Would it be helpful to:
✅ Pilot 1-2 integrated lessons in the next few months and gather teacher/student feedback?
✅ Check with CAIS schools to see who else is working on financial literacy?
✅ Experiment with AI-powered tools to enhance assessments?
Looking forward to seeing you at the 3rd face-to-face session at Montcrest School, where we can refine and iterate even more!
Best,
Justin