A Sweet Experience of Financial Literacy: Introducing the Concept of the Value of Money
Teaching life skills from early childhood is one of the most important educational goals of Pardis Solaleh Kindergarten. In line with this mission, and with the aim of introducing children to the basic concepts of financial literacy, an educational and experiential field trip was organized at the Book Garden—an outing in which children became practically familiar with the concept of the value of money, price comparison, and informed decision-making.
Before the trip began, children engaged in guided discussions with their teachers about concepts such as “money,” “purchasing value,” and “choosing within a budget.” Each child was then given a predetermined amount of money, allowing them to enter a real shopping environment and apply what they had learned in practice. The amount was set in a way that enabled children to choose among several options, helping them tangibly understand the concept of limited resources.
At the Book Garden, the children entered the section dedicated to books appropriate for their age group and were faced with a wide variety of books differing in price, subject, and appearance. With excitement and enthusiasm, they flipped through books, asked about prices, and compared options with one another. This process gradually helped them realize that not all choices are possible and that making the best decision requires considering the available budget.
The role of the teachers during the trip was both prominent and thoughtfully guiding. They encouraged children to think, ask questions, and explain the reasons behind their choices. Questions such as “Why did you choose this book?” or “If you buy this book, will you still have enough money for another one?” helped children go through a more conscious decision-making process.
One of the most valuable aspects of this trip was learning to compare the value of different items. Children discovered that a higher price does not always mean a better choice, and that sometimes a simpler book—one that better matches their interests and needs—can be a more logical option. This experience taught them that the value of an item depends on how useful, enjoyable, and meaningful it is to the individual, rather than solely on its appearance or price.
After making their final choices, the children excitedly went through the purchasing process and proudly held their selected books with a sense of satisfaction. For many of them, this was their first experience of making an independent purchase with a set amount of money—an experience that strengthened their sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and independence.
The Book Garden field trip was not merely a recreational outing, but an educational opportunity to practice skills that will play an important role in the children’s future lives. Financial literacy is one of the essential skills of the modern era, and early exposure to it helps children make more informed financial decisions and manage their resources more effectively in the future.
The experience of buying books at the Book Garden was a clear example of learning through play and hands-on experience, which, in addition to teaching financial concepts, also fostered children’s interest in books and reading.
The trip concluded with great satisfaction and enthusiasm from both children and teachers, creating a sweet and educational memory—one that can mark the first steps toward developing a proper understanding of the value of money and informed choice-making in life.