Teaching financial literacy to my students

Think of the content and grade level you are teaching or the youth you currently have contact with. Brainstorm and share how might financial literacy be taught, reinforced or supported in your classroom or with young people?
I teach special education and English as a Second Language to high school students from grades 9-12. I also teach a 9th grade reading strategies class. In my experience with these students, I could and have taught or retaught lessons on financial literacy. My seniors have a finance class that opens discussion about the very topics presented in these modules. Family living courses taught at my school also present financial literacy topics that I reteach. In my reading strategies class, I present an article of the week that could share information on financial literacy. In fact my students are reading an article now about how Starbucks gives away a free college education to its workers. This has brought up discussions about the cost of college and the idea of working for an employer.

I would say the best way to teach students at any level is to first give them the vocabulary that goes with the content. Some students don't even know what credit means in terms of finances.  Vocabulary strategies such as the frayer model or the lincs method are two of my favorite ways of presenting vocabulary. Memorization with flashcards also remains an effective strategy. Reading about the topic and summarizing the reading is another strategy. Have speakers from financial institutes speak to the students. Real life scenarios keep the interest of the students. First, have an open discussion on what the students know about finances. Then ask them what they want to know. After the discussion ask them what they have learned.

Teaching financial literacy through real-life examples, like the "chai frappuccino Starbucks" article, engages students. Start with vocabulary strategies, open discussions, and real-life scenarios. Integrating financial topics into reading strategies fosters understanding and helps connect personal finance to relatable, everyday decisions like working for education benefits.

Teaching financial literacy to high school students, especially those in special education and ESL programs, requires a structured yet engaging approach. Introducing key vocabulary first helps students grasp fundamental concepts, using strategies like the Frayer Model or flashcards for reinforcement. Incorporating real-life scenarios, such as discussions about college costs and employer benefits, makes the subject more relatable and meaningful.  

Guest speakers from financial institutions can provide practical insights, while reading and summarizing financial articles encourage critical thinking. Open discussions allow students to share what they know, explore what they want to learn, and reflect on new knowledge, ensuring they build confidence in financial decision-making.