This activity supports Lower Key Stage 2 Maths and PSHE objectives by helping children understand how banks work, what saving means, and how money can be kept safe. It also develops speaking, listening, and problem-solving skills through imaginative play.
What you’ll need 🪙
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A few envelopes or small boxes to use as “bank accounts.”
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Coins or play money for deposits and withdrawals.
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Some paper or sticky notes to make receipts and account labels.
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A table or chair to set up as the “bank counter.”
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Optional: a calculator or notebook for your child to practise recording amounts.
What to do 🏦
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Set up your bank. Choose a space to be the bank counter and label each envelope or box with a “customer name.” Explain that this is where people keep their money safe instead of carrying it around.
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Assign roles. Take turns being the banker and the customer.
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The banker accepts deposits, counts the money, and writes a “receipt.”
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The customer brings money to deposit or asks to withdraw some.
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Make transactions. Use coins or notes to act out real bank activities - depositing, withdrawing, or checking a balance. Encourage your child to record the balance after each transaction (“You had £3. You added £2. Now you have £5.”).
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Add a twist. Introduce a simple scenario:
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“You want to buy a book for £2.50 - do you have enough in your account?”
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“You earned £1 for tidying your room - let’s deposit it.”
Questions to ask your child 💬
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“Why do people keep their money in a bank?”
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“What happens if you spend more than you have?”
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“How can you check how much money is in your account?”
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“Why is it important to keep your money safe?”
What your child will learn 🎓
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To understand the purpose of banks and how they help people save.
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To add and subtract money amounts to calculate balances.
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To practise record-keeping and responsibility with money.
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To explore the idea of saving vs spending and making choices.