In today’s ever-changing world, we have realised the importance of financial literacy for children and teens.
But how do we introduce financial concepts without it sounding like that boring accountancy teacher you had in high school?
Financial games
Learning through play is still the best way to engage children and help them to learn in a fun, less rigid manner.
So it makes sense to introduce age-appropriate online money and finance-related games to your children.
Here is a list of some great games that I recently discovered that focus on finances, money, and entrepreneurs skills
1. Cash back
Cash Back is a game where players give customers the correct change using bills and coins.
2. Grocery Cashier
Grocery Cashier is a game where younger children can practice addition and subtraction along with monetary familiarity by operating a virtual cash register.
3. Treze coins
Treze Coins is a simple money addition game where children add together coins to deposit into a gumball machine.
4. Idle Money Tree
Idle Money Tree aims to answer the question “does money grow on trees?” in a way that will satisfy curious children.
5. Supermarket Numbers
Supermarket Numbers is an arithmetic practice game
6. Kingdom Wars
Kingdoms Wars is a virtual board game which was inspired by Monopoly
What do Children learn when they play games online
As children play these fun and engaging online games they not only learn the correct terminology when speaking about money and finances but they also learn to problem-solve and find solutions to real-life problems.
They learn concepts like:
- Number names
- counting
- currency
- addition
- subtraction
- multiplication
- division
- fractions
- entrepreneurial skills
- tax concepts
- the importance of saving
- needs and wants
- how to pay for things
- how to give change
- the value of money
- where the money comes from
- the value of money
How to supplement online learning
The best way to supplement children learning of financial literacy online is to let them see money in practice in the real world.
Some great examples are:
- Let your child earn their own money through chores or as they are older part-time jobs
- teach them to divide their money into savings and spending
- teach them about needs and wants
- encourage them to save for big-ticket items
- take them shopping with you or include them when you pay for items
- teach them to use a budget
- open up a bank account when they are young
- give them the opportunity to swipe a bank card, pay for items, or as teens complete an online transaction
- encourage them to take part in entrepreneurial markets
- let them know how taxes work
Financial literacy is something I wish was a bigger focus when i was growing up and is a life skill I personally believe everyone needs.
