The Invest in ME Reads program provides these resources to help you support your student or child on a path toward lifelong financial wellness.
Featured Book:
Those Shoes
In January each year, all Maine second graders attending public school receive Those Shoes, a story that includes themes of saving, giving, and delayed gratification.
Use this reading guide to make the most of the lessons from this book. [Coming January 15, 2025]
Activities and Tips
Financial Skills
Developing habits like planning, saving, and setting goals helps your child build lifelong financial skills and work towards milestones such as:
- Understanding the concepts of “time” and “future”
- Planning ahead and saving for what they want
- Understanding saving and spending, how money is earned, and the power of giving
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- Every day, you are modeling financial behaviors and teaching financial skills. Make your next visit to the grocery store, bank, or gas station a lesson.
- Teach your child about money and saving for the future by creating ways for them to earn rewards for chores or other behaviors. A reward chart is a great way to get them started on a path to financial success.
Lessons and Games
- Cha-Ching™ Money Smart Kids – Games and videos that build financial skills
- Meet the Money Monsters! – Fun characters who teach kids financial concepts
- Sesame Workshop – Videos and fun lessons
- US Mint – Games, activities and coloring books
- Board games to play for a hands-on activity with children:
- The Game of Life
- Pay Day
Education and Career Exploration
The earlier your child begins to explore education and careers, the more likely they will be to achieve their goals and work toward milestones such as:
- Having conversations about future goals
- Understanding that college costs money
- Identifying places where they could go to college
- Discussing various jobs and related duties
- Learning that skills are valuable tools
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- Show your child that you value education. Getting to know their teacher, attending school events, and making sure they arrive at school on time all demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Talk to your child about your work, or about other jobs in their community or school. Encourage them to think about what they enjoy doing during their free time.
Lessons and Games
Cash and Max Coloring Book – Learn about education and future careers
MAGtown – Learn more about different jobs in your community
MyPlan – Create a plan to “do, save, learn”
PBS Kids A-Z Career Lab – Learn about various careers
Read the Official Rules for more information.
