ST. PAUL, Minn. �United Educators Credit Union (UECU) and Aquila Elementary School welcomed Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, Deputy Commissioner Shane Deal and University of Minnesota Extension Educator Mary Jo Kartras to the school on Monday, April 21.
The state and university officials visited Aquila Elementary to celebrate Financial Literacy Month and the release of "Its Never too Early to Start," a guide that focuses on how parents and teachers can use childrens literature to teach financial literacy skills. During the visit, Commissioner Rothman read the book "Alexander, Who Used to be Rich on Sunday," by Judith Viorst, to nearly 100 second-grade students. Deputy Commissioner Deal read "Start Saving, Henry," by Nancy Carlson. Both books help teach children the importance of managing their money wisely.
"Teaching kids money management skills at an early age helps set the stage for future financial success," said Commissioner Rothman. "An important part of my job is to get out into the schools to help teach them the skills theyll need."
University of Minnesota Extension Educator Kartras led students, parents and teachers in an educational activity, and the event also included a presentation from UECU representatives about their youth account, which is based on three principals: "Save. Share. Spend." The youth account teaches kids important life lessons about the value of money.
"Save. Share. Spend. is a fun and easy way for kids to learn about making plans for their money," said Andrea Molnau, UECUs Vice President of Marketing. "When kids put together a plan for their money by themselves, its easier for them to save, helps them feel good about sharing, and they spend their money more wisely." Each student also received a book bag, a piggy bank and a guide to teaching financial literacy to share with their parents.
United Educators Credit Union was established in 1957, providing a full line of financial services to the Minnesota education community, their families, and those who support education by being a part of the United Educators Foundation. The credit union currently operates branch locations in Apple Valley, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, and Woodbury.
- See more at: http://mncreditunionnews.org/united-educators-credit-union-state-university-officials-teach-financial-skills-at-aquila-elementary-school#sthash.rrxePqey.dpuf
