Today, children have more pocket money than ever before. But studies show that they don’t know enough about how to manage it. Helping children to develop a responsible, confident and healthy attitude towards money is important not just for the child but also for society.
Over the next year, Northern Bank will be developing and launching a range of projects to support the teaching of financial capability in the Northern Ireland curriculum, to add to our existing projects such as Money Talks with Citizens Advice. Alongside the development of teaching materials we will also be implementing other support initiatives for teachers.
Teaching materials
To accompany the Moneyville web-site, we have developed materials for teachers supporting the school curriculum.
Moneyville has been reviewed by an expert panel in Northern Ireland including representatives from Stranmillis University College and CCEA – the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, Northern Ireland, to ensure its age appropriateness and educational relevance. The Web site is completely non-commercial.
Dr. Barbara McConnell, a Developmental Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, Northern Ireland:
"Moneyville is a stimulating and enjoyable game to help young children develop their financial literacy and apply their number skills to real life situations. Playing the game will not only enable them to understand the value of money, but it encourages them to talk about money with teachers and their parents. The visual imagery in the game reinforces the concepts of spending and saving money and encourages children to learn about prioritising spending and delayed gratification such as saving up for something you want. Visiting Moneyville will help children to develop these essential skills in a fun learning environment."
Click here to view Moneyville demo
Teaching Financial Capability
Northern Bank’s Teaching Financial Capability website is a free online support site for teachers, both primary and post-primary. This straightforward guide will show you how to make the best use of Northern Bank's financial capability resources and see what is available for your class.
On the site, you will find tips and ideas to support teaching financial capability.
Teaching Financial Capability website