Where Does Money Come From?

Money Life Skills for Kids (Ages 7-9)

Understanding money starts with knowing where it came from.
At Shiminly, we believe that understanding where money comes from is an important part of growing confident and informed. This self-paced lesson introduces young learners to the history of money in a clear and engaging way, helping them explore how people traded before money existed and why money was created. Through age-appropriate stories and visuals, children build early financial literacy, develop real-world understanding, and gain confidence using money concepts at school, at home, and in everyday life.

Core Skill

Critical Thinking

Designed For

Ages 7-9

Duration

60 minutes

Who It’s For

This lesson is designed for students aged 7 to 9 who are beginning to learn how money works and where it comes from. It is a great fit for classrooms and enrichment programs that support early financial literacy, social studies learning, and real world understanding of trade, money, and everyday economics.

What’s Included

Real-life scenarios & quizzes

Reflection journals & tools

Final assessment & certificate

Downloadable glossary & reference sheet

Why This Matters

Children aged 7 to 9 are beginning to notice how money is used in everyday life and to ask where it comes from. This lesson gives them the knowledge and language to understand the history of money, from bartering to modern payments, and why money makes trading and buying easier. By building early financial literacy, students gain confidence, develop real-world awareness, and create a strong foundation for future learning about economics, saving, and responsible money use.

How Did Shells, Silver, and Paper Become Money?

Learn at your own pace with fun, real-world content designed to help you understand where money comes from and how it has changed over time. Explore the history of money through engaging examples that build curiosity, early financial literacy, and confidence using money ideas at school, at home, and in everyday life.
In this lesson, you will:

  • Learn where money comes from and how people traded before money existed
  • Discover why early forms of money, like shells and coins, were created
  • Explore how money changed from bartering to coins, paper money, and digital payments
  • Build early financial literacy through stories, visuals, and simple examples
  • Walk away with a clearer understanding of how money helps people buy, sell, and trade in everyday life
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