This site was created to provide students with a lot of support as they explore money. From my student teaching experience, I witnessed the value of technology in the classroom. Watching my first grade students interact with a variety of different websites, I realized how important it is that they are able to be able to not only read actual books, but understand the Internet as well. This was the motivation for creating this site.
In their article from Early Literacy in a Digital Age, Karchmer et al. discusses the Movement from a Singular Book Literacy to the Multiple Literacies of Networked Information and Communication Technologies. They reason that “new technologies transform the very nature of literacy, requiring new skills, strategies, and insights to read, write and communicate that transcend those required to be literate with traditional book technologies.” At the same time, they argue that technology should not “supplements typical classroom instruction by providing instruction that could be done with paper and pencil or with teacher-student interaction.”
From that, I gained some direction as I worked to design my website. I wanted to encourage students to be more fiscally fit, so I
made sure I could give them information in the most effective manner. Not only did I want to teach them about money but I also wanted to teach “young children how to read, write, navigate, interact, and evaluate Internet information” for students as young as Kindergarten.
Making sure I made the site readable for all students, I included language that they would understand as well as links to multimedia resources. By opening the site for questions, comments and concerns, I allow students a chance to appreciate the “social context of the Internet”. This website is easily navigable for young students, but it is also a great support for parents an teachers. Similar to student teaching, I value the feedback and evaluation of my colleagues and student audience. I hope this site evolves into a powerful resource for everyone!
Money Matters 
Understanding money is vital for productive citizens in society and its a key focus for students throughout elementary school. Thanks so much for creating this site because it will definitely come in handy!
Not only are you teaching young students about money, but you’re also helping them use the internet and computers. I think this site is a great idea, and will definitely give your students the leg-up they need to succeed in school (and later, in life!). Great job!
This website is very well thought out and seems to be very beneficial for young children learning about money. What a great way to connect with a younger generation so accustomed to technology!!!