Children learn financial literacy: revolution in math lessons!

Children learn financial literacy: revolution in math lessons!

On July 24, 2025, groundbreaking research work by Di-nah-Marie Wiedenhöfer, a doctoral student at the Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education, will be honored. Their study, entitled “Promoting Financial Numeracy through Mathematics Education,” takes an in-depth look at financial literacy in elementary school mathematics classes. Wiedenhöfer was recognized with the Early Career Research Award at the MERGA conference, underscoring the relevance of her work.

The focus of her research is on financial numeracy, a skill that enables students to apply mathematics in financial decision-making situations. This skill is becoming increasingly important as children grow up in an increasingly complex financial world where cashless payments and online commerce are commonplace. International studies, such as the PISA study, show a clear connection between mathematical understanding and financial literacy, highlighting the urgency needed for their investigations.

Experiential learning and its importance

The design-based research study conducted by Wiedenhöfer enabled third and fourth grade students in the Ostalb district to manage money independently. This experience-based learning environment proved to be particularly motivating and created life-like situations that were tangible for the children. The results show that reflective tasks should play a crucial role in sustainable financial education and therefore must be a central part of effective teaching in this area.

The long-term goal of their study is to enable children to use mathematics meaningfully in financial contexts. Wiedenhöfer's approach could make a decisive contribution to preparing young people for the challenges of the modern financial world.

Resources for teachers

In addition to Wiedenhöfer's research approach, the Sparkasse School Service provides valuable materials that support teachers in teaching basic financial literacy. The website contains numerous teaching materials that are suitable for use in the classroom. Teachers can order free teaching materials under the “Print Offer” section, with limited free quotas available each month. Products for which a price is stated will no longer be available for free until the end of the month, but can be ordered again at no cost at the beginning of the next month.

• Alle Schülerhefte sind als PDF jederzeit herunterladbar.
• Euro-Rechengeld hilft Kindern, das Aussehen von Münzen und Geldscheinen zu lernen und Kopfrechnen zu üben.
• Einkaufsspiele fördern das Üben von Bezahlen und Herausgeben.
• Digitale Übungen wie Münzen- und Geldschein-Memory ergänzen das gedruckte Angebot.
• Interaktive Übungen können digital überprüft werden.

The materials, created by experienced authors, offer quick and easy access to tasks. Solutions to the exercises are also included in the PDF documents, which enables teachers to evaluate their students in a timely manner. The Sparkassen-SchulService has set itself the task of enriching financial education lessons with easy-to-use materials.

In summary, Wiedenhöfer's research shows that linking math and financial education in elementary school is crucial to optimally prepare children for their future financial challenges. In combination with resources such as the Sparkasse School Service, a promising concept for financial education in the early school years is created.