Why Money Matters
This financial literacy project is based on the book Why Money Matters, a guide to managing money by the fabulous Deborah Meaden, published by Farshore. To date, over 5,400 primary school students have participated in workshops funded by OakNorth and the Port of Dover.
Why Money Matters is a practical financial-literacy project that helps Years 3-6 students understand how money works in everyday life, from earning to spending to saving, and making informed choices along the way. Through fun, hands-on activities, children explore the difference between needs and wants, practise spend vs save decision-making. The project builds money confidence and encourages independent thinking.
Exploring money and value
Students discuss what existed before money, what is tax and what types of bills do schools and families need to pay. They value different items and provide the reasoning behind their decisions. Students also explore what they personally value, and consider how choices would change if money didn't exist, including the impact of trading a meaningful personal item.
Earning ootibloons
For our main market activity, students need money to spend at the market stalls. We introduce our ootibloon currency, and to earn a wage they chose a job from our selection of real but unusual roles. These include a Snake Milker and Professional Sleeper which are both mentioned in Deborah's book. There are different salaries for each job, but the rates aren't revealed until after students have chosen. This means their decision directly affects their spending power at the market.
Market activity
Our market features sixteen stalls split between needs, such as water, food, and energy, and wants, including pets, toys, and technology. The group is divided into two, with one half acting as customers and the other half running the stalls. After a round of buying and selling, the groups swap roles. We look at the students' spending habits to see how they approached choice, value, and decision-making. It is a lively and noisy activity!
Value to schools
The ootiboo team have delivered hundreds of Why Money Matters workshops across the country. Our workshop lead, Chris Green, is an ex-primary headteacher who understands exactly how to engage students and deliver learning effectively in schools. Fully funded workshops are available free to primary schools in London, Kent, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. Schools in these areas and beyond can also book a paid-for option if funded workshops are unavailable and want a guaranteed place. All sessions are delivered in-person and come fully resourced. Select Workshop Sign Up for more information.
Deborah Meaden takes us through some tips for starting your money journey...
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