Dollars with Sense | Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia

DWS is a fun and interactive, hands-on program that helps students develop financial literacy skills, so they can make informed decisions about their finances today and set goals for their financial future. With the newly modified lessons, built to adapt to our everyday changes, students learn about budgeting, money management, credit management, saving, investing and financial goal-setting. Dollars with Sense is available in English or French.

Teachers can deliver the program on their own, with the option to include pre-recorded volunteer-delivered content, or a volunteer can visit the classroom to do an hour of programming. We try to be as flexible as possible to support teachers!

This curriculum enhancing program allows students to

acquire knowledge and understanding of a broad range of financial concepts and practices
use critical thinking skills to make sound financial decisions
communicate an understanding of a range of financial and money management concepts
apply and express acquired financial knowledge in oral and written forms

Download the Program Information sheet.

Program Overview

Classroom Model

In Nova Scotia this program is best delivered at grade 9 or 10
Enhances and reinforces skills learned in social studies, healthy living, citizenship, languages, science, and math
Teaches through hands-on activities and discussions
Co-Curricular with skills and concepts related to math, citizenship, business, financial literacy and economics
JA programs are free to school, teachers and students

Goals

Supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Engages students to reflect about the real costs of living
Connects students to real world issues
Helps students understand their rights and responsibilities as consumers

Benefits to Students

Personal Financial Literacy
Economic/business awareness
Direct contact with the business community
Reinforces team-building skills as students work in small groups
Encourages “smart consumerism” by educating youth about financial literacy

Teacher Roles and Responsibilities

Use JA Consultant Kit to facilitate interactive lessons
Facilitate the in-class lessons
Set-up the classroom (assign student groups, rearrange desks and chairs into 5 or 6 small groups)
Utilize follow-up activities
Present student certificates
Use of online Multi-resources (optional)
Use of live or recorded volunteer

Program Content

Lesson 1 – Money Makes the World Go Round

Students develop a money management self-profile and explore how their values and goals for the future factor into spending and saving their money. They will discover the real cost of using credit and that different countries use different currencies. Next they explore the most appropriate forms of exchange for making purchases and payments.

Lesson 2 – Smart Shopping in an Online World

Students examine their spending habits and reflect on the factors that influence their spending. They will also calculate the real cost of interest and demonstrate how to make smart financial decisions. Issues about safe website and buying are online are also introduced. Consumer rights are explored.

Lesson 3 – Spending, Saving, Sharing

Students differentiate between needs and wants and talk about what being wealthy means. They learn how to prepare a budget for an event. Students also reflect on the importance of budgeting as a means of looking after their money and helping them meet their financial goals. Credit Scores are discussed.

Lesson 4 – Make Your Money Work For You

Students learn about a variety of investments, including savings accounts, Canada Savings Bonds, GICs, mutual funds and stocks, and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of each investment. Students learn how to read a credit report. We wrap up with a Money Bingo game, bringing together many of the ideas they learned during the program.

Dollars with Sense (DwS)

Program for Grades 7 to 9