The librarian took a seat with the young children, ranging from 4 to 8 years old, on a Saturday to impart a valuable lesson on "currency". Makayla Baker-Payton, the youth services specialist at Massanutten Regional Library in downtown Harrisonburg, posed a thought-provoking question to the kids. "Do you all even know what that word means?" one of the children promptly shouted out "Money". She then continued to explore the significance of money with them.Teaching through Interactive Games
She began by holding up a penny for the children to observe closely. This simple act sparked their curiosity. From there, she gradually introduced them to different denominations, up to a five-dollar bill. To make the learning more engaging, she invited the 10 children to play a game similar to "Twister", where various coins and bills were placed on a mat and the kids had to reach and place their feet and hands on the correct ones. This hands-on approach made the learning process fun and memorable.The Benefits of Learning about Money
Children and their parents were also encouraged to explore a selection of books that specifically teach children about money. Katy Smith shared her reason for coming, stating that she wanted her 7-year-old daughter, Lily, to learn about money. Lily, with her simple yet sincere answer, said, "I just want to read books." This shows that even at a young age, children are receptive to learning about such an important topic. Tim Colligan, on the other hand, expressed his hope for his 6-year-old son, Oscar. He wanted Oscar to learn the differences between coins, understand their worth, and discover the joy of saving. Oscar even added that he had his own wallet, highlighting his growing awareness of money.Creating a Foundation for Financial Literacy
By engaging the children in these activities and providing them with educational resources, the library is laying a solid foundation for their future financial literacy. These lessons will not only help them in their daily lives but also equip them with valuable skills that will serve them well in the long run. It is through such initiatives that we can empower the next generation to make informed decisions about money.
