I had the chance before Christmas to present at a conference in Portsmouth on Inclusive Maths and we looked at financial planning from primary through to secondary. What was really interesting was that we all have in mind how important understanding of money is for learners with SEN. After all, this is a real skill that we all need as we get older.
An interesting point was raised by my colleague who was looking at secondary teaching. He suggested that we stop practicing with 1p, 2p and 5p and move to £1 and notes. Nothing in real life ever actually costs 1p and it is often hard to move the children on. What is important here is to reflect on the purpose of teaching in the first place, to ensure the children can access the community. Another great point was to make lessons age appropriate. Instead of going on to Twinkl (a brilliant resource by the way) and printing a key stage 1 simple money worksheet, get a Nando’s menu and work out money based on real life situations.
For my part, I presented the primary angle, and focused on the skills that children need before money comes into the equation. We looked at making an exchange, understanding quantity and more and less, and did all of this through games and fun. Why not have snack as a shop. The children can have money and price lists and take turns to be the shopkeeper.
I know that many schools have financial planning weeks in their timetable to cover these core skill and knowledge principles. Spare a thought for the children in the class and ensure that wherever possible, the teaching and learning is linked to real life.
If you have bought our book already, thank-you! We have listed below some links to financial planning that you may find useful with the children that you work with. If you have not yet bought the book- you can here
P4: swap it (pg 29)
(Link to finance: gaining an understanding of an exchange)
P5: Roll me one or two (pg 73)
(Link to finance: gaining an understanding of different quantity)
P7: who wants more? (Pg 87)
(Link to finance: an understanding of requiring more or less in a given situation)
P8: My guess is seven (pg 96)
(Link to finance: developing skills of estimation- helps when pulling coins from your purse or pocket)
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