Lesson Plan
Budget Code Blueprint
Students will decode real-world budgeting scenarios to allocate income, manage expenses, and balance budgets through collaborative puzzles and hands-on activities.
Building financial literacy in middle school helps students make informed money choices, understand trade-offs, and develop long-term planning skills essential for future success.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Slide Deck
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
5 minutes
Step 2
Mini Lesson: Income vs. Expenses
10 minutes
Step 3
Budget Breakout Challenge
20 minutes
Step 4
Reflection on Choices
10 minutes
Slide Deck
Decode Your Dollars
Puzzle: What’s the Code?
Income vs. Expenses
Balancing Your Budget
Let’s Decode Together
Ready for the Breakout Challenge?
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Activity
Worksheet
Cool Down
