Financial literacy as a component of economic education of preschool children

Abstract

The article examines financial literacy as an important component of economic education of preschool children. The relevance of developing basic financial and economic knowledge in early childhood is substantiated in the context of modern socio-economic changes. Early formation of financial awareness helps children better understand the value of work, money, and material resources, as well as develop responsible attitudes toward consumption and saving. The study reveals the essence of the concepts of economic education and financial literacy and highlights their role in the development of economic thinking in preschool children. It is emphasized that preschool age is a sensitive period for forming primary ideas about labour, goods, needs, money, and rational use of resources. At this stage children begin to understand simple economic relationships through everyday experiences and interactions with adults. Special attention is paid to pedagogical methods and conditions that contribute to the effective formation of financial literacy in preschool children. Among the most effective approaches are play-based learning, didactic games, modeling everyday economic situations, and integrating economic content into various types of children's activities. The use of interactive and practical methods helps children better understand financial concepts and apply them in simple real-life situations. The article also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between preschool education institutions and families in the process of economic upbringing. Parents play a crucial role in shaping children's attitudes toward money, work, and responsible spending. Consistent educational influence from both educators and parents contributes to the development of basic financial competence in children. The study concludes that systematic work on the formation of financial literacy in preschool age is an important step toward developing economically competent, responsible, and socially active individuals in the future.

Keywords: financial literacy; economic education; preschool children; economic thinking; financial and economic ideas; game technologies; economic culture; preschool education institution; education of preschoolers.