Kids Learn the Value of Saving Money at Special Library Workshop

The Wayne Public Library hosted a workshop for young children Wednesday afternoon entitled Money Can Be Fun.

Children were read two stories about the history and value of money: “One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent,” by Dr. Seuss, and “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” by Amy Lowry Poole. They also learned about opening a bank account, what bank tellers do, and where money goes when you deposit it into a bank.

Librarian Pauline Reiher and Agnes Czeczot, who works at Valley National Bank in Wayne, ran the event. About 20 kids attended the workshop.

“It’s a great idea for them to learn about how to save money. Kids don’t understand the true value of a dollar, so I thought attending this workshop would be helpful,” said Angela, a mother of two children who did not want her last name used. “And I think a bank can help kids understand these things better even better than parents can.”

Starting in kindergarten, it’s important to teach kids about saving. Parents can use simple techniques to teach these lessons. For instance, encouraging a child to save 10 cents for every dollar he or she earns. Kids are happy to spend as much money as parents will give them. By the time they are 6 or 7 years old they are ready to earn an allowance. If they know they know they can buy their own toys and clothes, they’ll be more apt to save their money.

“The feedback from parents is always excellent for these programs,” Reiher said. “I think the turnout was especially good for this one because the kids are off from school.”