I’m ACE, your Personal Adventure Guide!During our money learning adventure, I will be your personal guide. I will help you learn and guide you through each step of our journey.

Learning about money doesn’t have to be boring. Instead, it can be a crazy, wild, exciting adventure!

Have you ever gone to the store and wanted to buy something?

It might have been something really big like a new bike or something really small like a piece of gum. Big, small, or in between, you needed money to buy it!

But what exactly is money and how does it work? I am glad you asked! - On our money learning adventure, I will help explain money and why it is so important. Here are the questions we will answer along our journey:

• What is money?• How do I earn money?• How do I save money?• How do I put money into a savings

account?• How do I get money out of my savings

account?• What is the difference between a

savings account vs. a checking account?• What is a check?• What is a debit card?• How do I borrow money?

Let the Adventure begin!

Welcome to the Wild, Money Extravaganza Adventure!

1

What is money?

ADVENTUREACTIVITY

DESIGN YOUR OWN BILLMeet my friend Ardie the Artist! She will help you design your own currency bill. Use your imagination and have fun!

Did you know that back in the old days, people didn’t use money? Instead, they bartered.

In early history, bartering was a common practice of trading or exchanging goods, services, and other resources. But bartering resulted in a lot of problems, especially when someone was not willing to exchange a good or service with you. Over time money was introduced to fix the problem. In the United States, money is in the form of currency and coins. We also use checks and electronic money, like a debit card.

FORMS OF MONEYDIGDEEPER

dollar bill

check

coins

Debt Card

0000 0000 0000 0000

JOHN DOEMONTH/YEAR

12 / 22

debit card

2

How do I earn money?

When you go to the store, you need money to buy things right? (Yes!) So, how do you get money? Do your parents give it to you? (Maybe, but probably not!) You have to earn it!

Earning money is simple. You can earn money through doing a lot of things – like getting a job, doing your chores, receiving an allowance, babysitting, or receiving gifts. Once you have earned money, this is called your income.

ADVENTUREACTIVITY THE MAZE

Meet my friend Masey! She is a little scared because she is lost. Help Masey find her parents by finding your way through the maze. By completing this adventure, you will earn 50 tokens.

Get the solution to the maze on page 14.

start here!

finish!

You did it!You’re

A-MAZE-ING!

3

By completing the maze, you earned 50 tokens! Keep track of these tokens because they might come in handy on

the next adventure!

How do I save money?

You have earned 50 tokens. Congrats! But now, what do you do with your money?

Once you have earned money, you can either spend it or save it! Spending your money is easy, but sometimes, you should save your money, especially if you want to save it to buy something really big – like a new puppy or bicycle. You might keep your money in a wallet or piggy bank while you are saving it. But do you ever worry about it going missing or losing it? Well a lot of people have this concern, so they put their money in a bank for safe keeping.

Banks are trusted businesses where people can safely keep their money. By opening a savings account, you can save your money for future use.

Meet my friend Charlie! He works at the bank and will help you open a savings account.

INTEREST

When you open a savings account, you can make money on your money! This means the bank will pay you a small amount of money, called interest, for keeping your money in their bank.

With the help of a parent or friend, play connect-the-dots to finish opening your new savings account!

DIGDEEPER

4

ADVENTUREACTIVITY

SAVINGS ACCOUNT

BANK

Once you have opened your savings account, you can now put money into it!

Putting money into your account is called making a deposit. You make a deposit by filling out a

deposit slip. The bank teller will then use the information on the deposit slip to complete the transaction. A transaction is the term banks use for any action of putting or taking out money from your account. Let’s practice!

ADVENTUREACTIVITY MAKING A DEPOSIT

A deposit slip is a form you complete to put money into your savings account. Let’s fill one out to put your 50 tokens into the bank. My friend Lionell will help you!

How do I put money into my savings account?

Did you know that you can also deposit money into your savings account through an ATM? ATMs are really convenient and are simple to use. Next time you go through an ATM with your parents, ask them to let you watch as they deposit money into the machine.

ATMDIGDEEPER

5

Directions:A. Check “savings”.B. Write today’s date on the line.C. Write your account number.

(Since this is just practice, you can create your own account number.)

D. Write your name and address. Then, sign your name.

E. Write the total number of tokens you want to deposit - 50 tokens!

Deposit: Savings Checking

Checking or Savings Account #

NameAddress

Sign

Date:

Tokens:Total:

Deposit Slip

A B

C

D

E

Just like you can put money into a savings account, you can also take money out! This is called a withdrawal transaction. You might want to withdraw some money from your account if you want to buy something – maybe like a bike or puppy! You can withdraw money by filling out a withdrawal slip. This is very similar to the deposit slip you filled out in the last adventure, except the withdrawal slip tells the bank teller how much money you are going to take out of your account. Let’s practice!

ADVENTUREACTIVITY

LET’S BUY A BIKE!

A withdrawal slip looks like this! Once you fill it out, you can take it to the bank teller. She will ask to see your photo ID - helping her check that you are the real owner of the account, and then, she will give you your money!

Let’s buy a bike! But in order to buy it, you need to withdraw 25 tokens from your savings account. My friend, Lula will help you figure out how much is left in your savings account after you withdraw the 25 tokens.

50-25=tokens tokens tokens

deposited50 tokens

withdraw25 tokens

balance of savings account

Get the solution to the equation on page 14.

Deposit: Savings Checking

Checking or Savings Account #

NameAddress

Sign

Date:

Tokens:Total:

Withdrawal Slip

WITHDRAWAL SLIPDIGDEEPER

6

How do I get money out of my savings account?

Let’s have some fun!

Let’s take a break from our money adventure to review some key terms we have learned so far! Circle as many words as you can find from the word bank below.

Get the solution to the puzzle on page 14.

Word BankBartering

MoneyCurrency

DollarCoinEarn

IncomeSavings AccountInterest

BankDepositBalance

ATMTrading

Transaction

bankybfpuwvhtshhe

iekamcytianwbagjz

ufaocqnytopiovnhg

zfnrtcheievasiiux

geydnfotrsmphnrpg

ycdmrucuermbwgerg

otkakagcntulvstik

cdwusmnvatocscrgw

gksngaiwrvvqzoaok

vzawlydehakbuibuu

vriaaaakjclehnqhw

txbwkzrul

mjlamavo

depositirftyofzzl

ogtemocniffwldgju

tseretnijnomuunbd

Safari Word Search

7

WILD, MONEYEXTRAVAGANZA

DETOUR

During the last couple of adventures, we have talked about a savings account. But banks also offer a different type of account called a checking account.

A checking account is similar to a savings account – both accounts keep money safe and allow easy access to your money. But a checking account is different from a savings account because it is designed to be used almost every single day. Banks expect people with a checking account to make a lot of withdrawals and deposits on a daily basis. And sometimes, checking accounts offer little to no interest.

SAVINGS REVIEW

Remember that a savings account is used to save money! Characteristics of a savings account are:

• opened to save money• occasional withdrawals and deposits• sometimes limited on the number of

withdrawals per month• earns interest

Get the solution on page 14.

ADVENTUREACTIVITY SAVINGS ACCOUNT VS CHECKING ACCOUNT

Meet Max and Mindy! They will help you figure out which characteristic goes in either the Savings or Checking Account box. We have done the first one for you to get started!

Characteristics:• open account to save money• occasional withdrawals and deposits• earn no or little interest• open account to use every day• earn interest

SavingsAccount

CheckingAccount

DIGDEEPER

8

What is the difference between a savings & checking account?

What is a check?

Because a checking account is used almost every day, the bank gives you several tools to use to deposit and withdraw your money, so you don’t have to go to the bank every single time. One of these tools is called a check. Checks can be used to buy things, just like cash. People use checks to pay for things like groceries, electricity, and rent.

A PIECE OF PAPER?

Oh no! Your new bike has a flat tire. To fix it, you need to pay 10 tokens. My friend, Roxy, will help you fill out a check to pay for your bike’s repairs.

Now, if you have ever seen your parent’s check, you may think it looks like a piece of paper, and it is! But a check acts like a promise that you are going to pay the person the amount of money you have written on the check. And if you break this promise, there are serious consequences. Let’s see how it works!

DIGDEEPER

9

ADVENTUREACTIVITY

WRITE A CHECK

Be sure to check out the skit on the next page. Get a friend or parent to help you act it out!

Directions:A. Write today’s date on the line.B. Print the name of the person or company

you are writing the check to. (In this case, it would be Roxy Repair Shop.)

C. Write the numerical amount of the check. (In this case, it would be 10 tokens.)

D. Write out the amount in words. (Hint: ten tokens)

E. Write the reason for the check. (In this case, you can write “bike repairs.”)

F. Sign your signature.

B

NameAddressCity, State Zip

Pay to the order of

Date:

Tokens

A

C

D

EMemo Signature

- : 1 2 4 0 0 0 5 6 - : 9 8 7 6 5 1

F

Characters:Sam, Sallie, Ima Teller

Setting: Scene 1 – Outside Sallie’s House, Sam walks bySam: Hey Sallie! Guess what I got for my birthday present?Sallie: What?Sam: A $50 check from my grandparents! I am rich! (Holds up the check for

Sallie to see.)Sallie: Well, it only looks like a piece of paper to me. Are you sure it is $50?Sam: Yea! Come with me… I will show you how a check works!Sallie: Okay!

Setting: Scene 2 – Lobby of BankSam: You see when somebody writes you a check - the bank recognizes it as money. You can

deposit it just like you would cash into your account or you can even cash it! – I am trying to save for a new skateboard, so I think I am just going to deposit it today.

Sallie: Gotcha! So you just fill out a deposit slip?Sam: Yep! And then, get in line.

(Sam and Sallie walk up to the teller line.)

Ima Teller: Hi there you two! What can I help you with today?Sallie: Hi Ms. Ima! Sam was given a $50 check for his birthday! He is rich! – He told me a check

can be used just like cash. You can deposit it into your checking account.Ima Teller: Well, Sam is exactly right! But one thing is really important to remember about checks…Sam: What?Ima Teller: Well, it is very important to have enough money in your account to cover the check.Sallie: What do you mean?Ima Teller: Well, when a person goes to deposit the check (like you are today), it pulls the amount

of money from the account of the person who wrote the check (in this case your grandparents). If there is not enough money in their account, the check will bounce.

Sam: What does a check bounce mean?Ima Teller: This means that the bank will charge a fee to your grandparents for not having

enough money in their account to cover the $50 check.Sallie: Oh no!Ima Teller: And if this happens, the check will not clear.Sam: What’s that mean?Ima Teller: That means the check cannot be deposited. The writer of the check would have to put

the $50 into their account, and then, the check would have to be redeposited.Sallie: Oh my! Did that happen to Sam’s check? Did it not go through?Ima Teller: It looks like your grandparents have enough money in their account to cover your $50

check, so everything went through great! You’re $50 was deposited successfully into your account!

Sam: Man, you had me all nervous!Ima Teller: Well, just remember to always check your account balance before writing a check, so

you know you have enough money for the check.Sallie and Sam: Yes ma’am! See you later!

Sam’s Birthday GiftAct out the skit with some

friends or your parents for a better understanding about

how checks work!

10

In the last adventure, we talked about how the bank gives you checks as a tool to access your money. When you open a checking account, the bank will also give you a debit card.

A debit card is a plastic card that can be used as electronic money. You might have seen your parents use one, because they are very popular because they are easy to use. You can use them basically anywhere, and when you swipe your card, money is automatically subtracted out of your account. You can also use your debit card to withdraw money from an ATM.

ADVENTUREACTIVITY USING YOUR DEBIT CARD

It is very important to make sure you have enough money in your account when using your debit card. If you don’t, you will be charged a fee by the bank, called an overdraft fee.

Help my friend Hopper decide if she should use her debit card to buy each item below. If she does not have enough money in her account, write No! If she has enough money in her account, write Yes!

What is a debit card?

What do you think would happen if someone stole your debit card? It could be very bad! They could use all of your money. In order to prevent theft, banks give each person a PIN – PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. It typically is 4 numbers that you remember and keep secret. Think of it as a secret password! Every time you use your debit card, you are required to type in your PIN.

Get the solution on page 14.

WantsAccount$50

YoYo

$10

Yes or No?

WantsAccount$95

Game

$100Yes or No?

WantsAccount$100

Bear

$20

Yes or No?

PERSONAL ID #DIGDEEPER

11

ADVENTUREACTIVITY

BORROWING MONEY

In a previous adventure, we talked about earning interest on your savings account. Well, with a loan, you have to pay interest. Interest is the way the bank charges you for borrowing their money.

Let’s pretend that you have decided to buy a boat! But because the boat is so expensive, you will need to borrow money from the bank. Charlie will help you borrow the money you need!

PAYING INTERESTDIGDEEPER

12

BANKWith the help of a parent or friend, play tick-tack-toe to complete the loan for the boat!

Have you ever let someone borrow something of yours, maybe like a video game or doll? Sure! The person also probably promised to give the item back to you. Well, that is what banks do too.

Banks let you borrow money on the condition that you promise to pay the money back within a certain period of time. When the bank lends money in a large amount, this is called a loan. Typically, a person gets a loan for a big purchase that they can repay over time. An example would be a house or car!

How do I borrow money?

Let’s have some fun!

You have completed all of the Money Extravaganza adventures! Let’s review everything we have learned.

Get the solution on page 14.

Wor

d B

an

k

Crossword Puzzle

barter

overdraft

debit

withdrawal

savings

PIN

dollar

bank

pay

interest

checking

earn

coin

loan

ATM

money

1

2

3

11

9

14

56

13

7

15

16

12

10

8

4

Across2. The exchanging or trading of goods and services3. A ______ card is used as electronic money.5. Fill out a ______ slip when putting money into your account.10. Type of currency commonly called “change”.11. Fill out a ______ slip when taking money out of your account.12. You ______ money by getting a job or doing chores.13. The name of an institution where you can safely keep your money.14. Four digit number used to prevent theft of debit card.15. Type of account used frequently.16. Convenient machine located outside of bank.

Down1. Fee charged when spending more money than what’s in account.4. You must have a form of ______ to buy things or services.5. Type of currency that is commonly known as “cash”.6. You must _____ interest when you borrow money from the bank.7. You earn _____ when you put your money into a savings account.8. Term used when the bank lends a large amount of money.9. Type of account that earns interest and is used to save money.

13

WILD, MONEYEXTRAVAGANZA

REVIEW

start here!

finish!

bankybfpuwvhtshhe

iekamcytianwbagjz

ufaocqnytopiovnhg

zfnrtcheievasiiux

geydnfotrsmphnrpg

ycdmrucuermbwgerg

otkakagcntulvstik

cdwusmnvatocscrgw

gksngaiwrvvqzoaok

vzawlydehakbuibuu

vriaaaakjclehnqhw

txbwkzrul

mjlamavo

depositirftyofzzl

ogtemocniffwldgju

tseretnijnomuunbd

Safari Word Search50-25=25tokens tokens tokens

Characteristics:• open account to save money• occasional withdrawals and deposits• earn no or little interest• open account to use everyday• earn interest

SavingsAccount

CheckingAccount

WantsAccount$50

YoYo

$10

Yes or No?

WantsAccount$95

Game

$100Yes or No?

WantsAccount$100

Bear

$20

Yes or No?

Yes Yes No

2

3

11

9

14

56

13

7

15

16

12

10

8

4

Here are the solutions to each adventure! Check your answers to make sure they are right.

adventure page 6

adventure page 3adventure page 13

adventure page 8

adventure page 11 adventure page 714

WILD, MONEYEXTRAVAGANZA

SOLUTIONS

You did it! You have learned some valuable lessons about money and banking. Here is a recap of all that you learned on our wild and exciting money adventure:

• What is money?• How do I earn money?• How do I save money?• How do I put money into a savings account?• How do I get money out of my savings account?• What is the difference between a savings account vs. a checking account?• What is a check?• What is a debit card?• How do I borrow money?

Awesome Job!

Certificate of CompletionAMERIS BANK PROUDLY PRESENTS

with a certificate for completingthe Wild, Money Extravaganza!

Way to Go!AdventureAccomplished

15

Congratulations! You have completed the Wild, Money Extravaganza!