Moneywise Kids

Name: Moneywise Kids
Brand: Talicor

by Talicor

MathGrades 1–6

About This Curriculum

<cite index="1-1,1-2">Two simple, fast paced games to improve valuable math skills that kids will use all their lives: making change and budgeting money.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="14-3">Created by a volunteer math aide in Ann Arbor, Michigan</cite>, uses realistic play money to teach practical money management skills through two complementary games

Moneywise Kids: Educational Money Management Games for Elementary Students

Moneywise Kids is a board game set designed to teach elementary students practical money skills through two fast-paced games focused on making change and budgeting. The curriculum uses play money and realistic scenarios to help children apply math skills to real-world financial situations.

Best for

Families seeking supplemental math activities to teach practical money skills and budgeting concepts to elementary-age children in an informal, game-based setting

Evaluation Criteria

2 concerns · 4 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal instructional support provided beyond basic discussion prompts for parents.

Only mentions ideas for parents to discuss budget items on the back of one playing board

Direct InstructionConcern

Limited direct instruction support, primarily relying on game-based learning rather than explicit teaching.

Back of playing board includes discussion ideas for parents, but no evidence of structured instructional guidance

Word ProblemsNeutral

Addresses real-world application through budgeting scenarios but lacks systematic word problem instruction.

Children handle typical family budget items including food, housing, taxes, and medical care in realistic contexts

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Game format may provide some practice opportunities, but no systematic retrieval or spaced review structure.

Fast-paced game format allows repeated practice with money skills during play sessions

Visual RepresentationsNeutral

Uses realistic play money as a concrete manipulative to represent mathematical concepts.

Includes heavy-duty play money that mirrors actual currency design and playing boards for hands-on learning experiences

Conceptual Procedural BalanceNeutral

The games emphasize procedural skills like counting, making change, and exchanging bills with some conceptual understanding of budgeting and saving.

Children learn to count by multiples of 5, 10, 20, and 50, exchange small bills for larger ones, and handle budget items like food, housing, and medical care

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of worked examples or step-by-step modeling provided in the game materials.

Reviews describe game play but do not mention instructional examples or demonstrations of problem-solving steps

Sequencing ApproachInsufficient Evidence

No clear evidence of systematic sequencing or progression in mathematical difficulty.

The games appear to be standalone activities without indication of skill progression or building complexity

Assessment DiagnosticInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of assessment tools or diagnostic features to identify student understanding or skill gaps.

Reviews focus on game play mechanics without mentioning any assessment or progress monitoring components

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, bloggingawaydebt.com