💰 A hands-on introduction to budgeting, decision-making, and real-world money skills for upper elementary learners.
Spend It or Save It is an engaging, screen-free STEM experience designed for Grades 3–4 that helps kids think critically about money through stories, games, problem-solving, and reflection. Instead of memorizing rules, learners explore how choices affect outcomes—building confidence with spending, saving, and planning.
This resource blends math, logic, reading comprehension, and life skills into one cohesive learning experience that feels meaningful and age-appropriate.
⭐ What’s Included (5 Pages)
📖 1. Story-Based Reading & Comprehension
A relatable story about earning, saving, and planning money
Multiple-choice questions
Word bank + fill-in-the-blank sentences
Introduces budgeting as a decision-making tool, not just math Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🧮 2. Budget the Day: Visual Money Planning
School trip scenario (Space Museum)
$15 budget divided into snacks, gift, and savings
Color-coded box model (each box = $1)
Reflection prompts to explain choices and priorities Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🤔 3. “This or That” Decision Game
14 real-life scenarios blending spending and saving
Reinforces that not all spending is bad—choices depend on goals
Encourages values-based thinking, not right/wrong answers Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
📊 4. Problem-Solving Challenge: Maya’s Money Week
Track earnings, spending, and saving across 5 days
Analyze patterns and compare decisions
Strengthens data interpretation and reasoning skills Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🎲 5. The Budget Path Game
Solo or group play using a die and a small toy
Follow budgeting prompts as you move along the path
Reinforces cause-and-effect thinking in a playful way Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🎯 Skills & Concepts Covered
Budgeting & money planning
Financial decision-making
Critical thinking & logic
Reading comprehension
Math reasoning
Reflection & self-awareness
👧🧒 Designed For
Grades 3–4
Ages 8–10
Homeschool families
Classroom enrichment
Life skills & STEM blocks
🖨️ Printing & Use
PDF digital download
Print-friendly black-and-white design
Works with crayons, markers, or colored pencils
🌱 Why Families Love It
This packet treats kids like capable thinkers. Instead of telling them what to do with money, it invites them to experiment, reflect, and build confidence through realistic scenarios and engaging activities—skills they’ll carry far beyond the page.
💰 A hands-on introduction to budgeting, decision-making, and real-world money skills for upper elementary learners.
Spend It or Save It is an engaging, screen-free STEM experience designed for Grades 3–4 that helps kids think critically about money through stories, games, problem-solving, and reflection. Instead of memorizing rules, learners explore how choices affect outcomes—building confidence with spending, saving, and planning.
This resource blends math, logic, reading comprehension, and life skills into one cohesive learning experience that feels meaningful and age-appropriate.
⭐ What’s Included (5 Pages)
📖 1. Story-Based Reading & Comprehension
A relatable story about earning, saving, and planning money
Multiple-choice questions
Word bank + fill-in-the-blank sentences
Introduces budgeting as a decision-making tool, not just math Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🧮 2. Budget the Day: Visual Money Planning
School trip scenario (Space Museum)
$15 budget divided into snacks, gift, and savings
Color-coded box model (each box = $1)
Reflection prompts to explain choices and priorities Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🤔 3. “This or That” Decision Game
14 real-life scenarios blending spending and saving
Reinforces that not all spending is bad—choices depend on goals
Encourages values-based thinking, not right/wrong answers Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
📊 4. Problem-Solving Challenge: Maya’s Money Week
Track earnings, spending, and saving across 5 days
Analyze patterns and compare decisions
Strengthens data interpretation and reasoning skills Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🎲 5. The Budget Path Game
Solo or group play using a die and a small toy
Follow budgeting prompts as you move along the path
Reinforces cause-and-effect thinking in a playful way Spend It or Save It Budget STEM…
🎯 Skills & Concepts Covered
Budgeting & money planning
Financial decision-making
Critical thinking & logic
Reading comprehension
Math reasoning
Reflection & self-awareness
👧🧒 Designed For
Grades 3–4
Ages 8–10
Homeschool families
Classroom enrichment
Life skills & STEM blocks
🖨️ Printing & Use
PDF digital download
Print-friendly black-and-white design
Works with crayons, markers, or colored pencils
🌱 Why Families Love It
This packet treats kids like capable thinkers. Instead of telling them what to do with money, it invites them to experiment, reflect, and build confidence through realistic scenarios and engaging activities—skills they’ll carry far beyond the page.
