July 15, 2026
Money Smarts, Made Fun
A playful lesson in financial literacy
"How can I spend my G Bucks?"
That was one of the most common questions after our recent financial literacy lesson, and for good reason! Friend, Gabriel, created his own classroom currency, complete with his face and name on every bill, turning story time into an interactive lesson on earning, spending, and making thoughtful financial choices.
The kids couldn't wait to collect their G Bucks, but they walked away with something even more valuable: the first building blocks of smart money habits.
To start, we read Those Shoes together, a story about a boy who wants a popular pair of sneakers and comes to understand what he truly needs. As we read, our youth answered questions to earn their G Bucks. Then they got to spend them. Each child decided how to split their money between the things they wanted and the things they needed. While some were shopping, others decorated their shopping bags.
We heard from parents and caregivers afterward that their kids came home talking about it. That's the goal. A lesson worth bringing home.
This is a small window into how we approach education all year. We keep it hands-on, and we keep it fun. That same spirit runs through Words & Wonders, our summer literacy and arts program. All summer long, our youth read, create, and explore through books, art, and activities that keep their minds curious while school is out. It's something our kids can count on year after year.
Summer isn't a break from learning for our kids. It's another chance to grow. Your support helps us make the most of it.