Credit Union Supports Financial Literacy in the Classroom
April 17, 2014
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Parents today are regularly encouraged to talk to their children about substance abuse, sex, and bullying. And while those topics are important to the overall well-being of everyone, there should be one more on that list: money.
Its a topic that is often taboo in adult circles but such a major part of our lives. And, being in charge of finances makes for a less-stressful life, which in turns means healthy living.
Financial education is not a subject in school. Many teachers incorporate money lessons into other subjects however, its not a graduation requirement in Montana and often students head to college ill-prepared for the world of consumerism.
Heidi Knudson and a few other employees at Altana Federal Credit Union are hoping to change that by providing some basic money know-how to nearly 1,600 students in 77 classrooms in and around Billings in April.
A 30-minute lesson is taught on the importance of saving, spending and sharing to all grade levels, Knudson said, with various age-appropriate activities to supplement the lesson.
"The lesson is taught with the goal in mind of having the kids realize that there is more to money than just spending," she said.
Altana joins credit unions from around the nation focusing on youth for the month of April by encouraging young people to set up savings accounts and learn how to manage money.
President Rhonda Diefenderfer devotes a significant amount of staff time to educating future consumers.
"Were committed to the time it takes, because we believe in helping them establish good financial values," she said. "Our youth need to understand how to make positive financial choices in order to benefit as adults.� It also supports our belief of "people helping people, while creating an awareness of credit unions."
Last week lessons were provided at nine classrooms at Boulder Elementary. Teacher Roxie Cobb is delighted that her second-grade students receive financial information from professionals and welcomes the credit union staff into her classroom. She said they always deliver a simple, yet so important, lesson in an interactive, engaging way.
Parents today are regularly encouraged to talk to their children about substance abuse, sex, and bullying. And while those topics are important to the overall well-being of everyone, there should be one more on that list: money.
Its a topic that is often taboo in adult circles but such a major part of our lives. And, being in charge of finances makes for a less-stressful life, which in turns means healthy living.
Financial education is not a subject in school. Many teachers incorporate money lessons into other subjects however, its not a graduation requirement in Montana and often students head to college ill-prepared for the world of consumerism.
Heidi Knudson and a few other employees at Altana Federal Credit Union are hoping to change that by providing some basic money know-how to nearly 1,600 students in 77 classrooms in and around Billings in April.
A 30-minute lesson is taught on the importance of saving, spending and sharing to all grade levels, Knudson said, with various age-appropriate activities to supplement the lesson.
"The lesson is taught with the goal in mind of having the kids realize that there is more to money than just spending," she said.
Altana joins credit unions from around the nation focusing on youth for the month of April by encouraging young people to set up savings accounts and learn how to manage money.
President Rhonda Diefenderfer devotes a significant amount of staff time to educating future consumers.
"Were committed to the time it takes, because we believe in helping them establish good financial values," she said. "Our youth need to understand how to make positive financial choices in order to benefit as adults.� It also supports our belief of "people helping people, while creating an awareness of credit unions."
Last week lessons were provided at nine classrooms at Boulder Elementary. Teacher Roxie Cobb is delighted that her second-grade students receive financial information from professionals and welcomes the credit union staff into her classroom. She said they always deliver a simple, yet so important, lesson in an interactive, engaging way.