Personal Finance & School children Part 4

In the first three parts, Ms. Anita had patiently walked the children through the basics of money - right from understanding its value, to simple habits of saving and spending wisely. Her stories and examples made the subject come alive, and the students were beginning to see personal finance in a whole new light. Now, in Part 4, we welcome Ms. Deepa, who carries the discussion forward with her own unique approach, adding fresh insights and building on the foundation Ms. Anita had set.

“Money Magic with Ms. Deepa – A New Chapter in Class 5”

The excitement in Class 5 was hard to miss. The children had moved up from Class 4, carrying with them their colourful piggy banks, decorated money jars, and fond memories of Miss Anita’s “money magic.” They had often wondered if the magic would continue in their new class.

On the first Friday, when the usual “money magic” period arrived, the students sat up straighter. Their new teacher, Ms. Deepa, walked in with a bright smile.

“So,” she began, “I hear you all know something about money already. Who can tell me what you learnt last year?”

Hands shot up. Riya proudly said, “We learnt about budgeting.” Aryan added, “And saving in jars for dreams and emergencies.” Meera chimed in, “Needs and wants, ma’am!”

Ms. Deepa nodded, clearly impressed. “Excellent. You’ve climbed many steps already. Now it’s time for something new.”

She paused dramatically, then said, “Today, we’ll learn about borrowing and lending. But instead of me just telling you, let’s act it out.”

The children’s eyes sparkled. A play? During class? This was new.

Ms. Deepa picked three students - Aryan, Meera, and Rohan. She handed Aryan a packet of coloured pencils. “Aryan, you have extra pencils. Meera needs some for her drawing project. Rohan, you be the teacher who has to watch over them.”

The little skit began.

“Please, Aryan,” Meera pleaded, “can I borrow two pencils? I’ll return them tomorrow.”

Aryan replied grandly, “Sure, but make sure you return them. I also need them later.”

Rohan stepped in with folded arms. “As the teacher, I’ll make sure Meera gives them back on time. Borrowing is fine, but forgetting is not!”

The class erupted in laughter and applause.

Ms. Deepa then explained, “See, borrowing can help us when we don’t have something immediately. But it comes with responsibility. If you borrow, you must return. And if you lend, you must do it wisely - never give away everything you need yourself.”

The students nodded thoughtfully.

To make it even more fun, she introduced a simple role-play game. Each student got play money. Some became “shopkeepers,” others “customers,” and a few were “borrowers.” They had to negotiate, borrow, lend, and return within the game. The classroom buzzed with excitement as children tried out real-life money situations in a safe and playful way.

As the bell rang, Aryan said aloud, “This is even more fun than last year!”

Ms. Deepa smiled. “We’ve only started. In Class 5, we’ll explore borrowing, lending, earning, and even sharing with society. Each lesson will be a new adventure. The money magic continues, just in a new style.”

The children left the classroom chattering happily, ready for the fresh spells of wisdom waiting for them in their new journey.

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