Exploring what a bank is for

Line of Inquiry: The jobs people do in our community support its development

While talking about businesses in our community the children became aware that they did not know what a bank was for. Today we played bank and the children set to work cleaning the drama room for which they were paid 5 Smarties. At the end of their "work day" they counted out 5 Smarties and then opened a Savings Account at the local Wind Bank. I am the bank teller and it is my job to keep their money safe and to be available for when they are ready to make a withdrawal. Many of the children said they were going to save their money to take home but in the end everyone decided to eat 1 Smartie right away.

Everyone working together.

The bank is open all day except for rest time and outside time, otherwise, the children can take their money whenever they want with the understanding that once their bank account is empty the bank will not give them more money "You have to go to work again" said Chloe.

Getting paid for our work.

As the day went on, the children were reminded that they had money in the bank. Some children kept their money in the bank, some withdrew one more Smartie, and Byron emptied his bank account after the first reminder. As some of the children's bank accounts emptied and others still had "money" to withdraw the children seemed to understand that the bank does not just keep giving money but that they had to deposit more in order for there to be money in their accounts.

Our savings accounts
I will contact a local bank and see if they will give us a tour!