DWS is a fun and interactive, hands-on program that helps students develop financial literacy skills, so they can make informed decisions about their finances today and set goals for their financial future. With the newly modified lessons, built to adapt to our everyday changes, students learn about budgeting, money management, credit management, saving, investing and financial goal-setting. Dollars with Sense is available in English or French.
Teachers can deliver the program on their own, with the option to include pre-recorded volunteer-delivered content, or a volunteer can visit the classroom to do an hour of programming. We try to be as flexible as possible to support teachers!
This curriculum enhancing program allows students to
Teacher Led Class
Self Directed Program
Volunteer Facilitated Program
English
French
Students develop a money management self-profile and explore how their values and goals for the future factor into spending and saving their money. They will discover the real cost of using credit and that different countries use different currencies. Next they explore the most appropriate forms of exchange for making purchases and payments.
Students examine their spending habits and reflect on the factors that influence their spending. They will also calculate the real cost of interest and demonstrate how to make smart financial decisions. Issues about safe website and buying are online are also introduced. Consumer rights are explored.
Students differentiate between needs and wants and talk about what being wealthy means. They learn how to prepare a budget for an event. Students also reflect on the importance of budgeting as a means of looking after their money and helping them meet their financial goals. Credit Scores are discussed.
Students learn about a variety of investments, including savings accounts, Canada Savings Bonds, GICs, mutual funds and stocks, and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of each investment. Students learn how to read a credit report. We wrap up with a Money Bingo game, bringing together many of the ideas they learned during the program.