K-12 US · 6–8
Financial Media Literacy for Grades 6–8
This guide helps US middle school classrooms teach financial media literacy with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Spot hype in investing content, crypto promotions, and influencer finance. Introduce algorithmic feeds, social proof, and bias framing. Ask students to document evidence before sharing claims. Use it to plan a single lesson or a short unit arc in 6–8 — then explore how Split a Cookie (SaC) modules reduce prep time for teachers and substitutes.
Last reviewed 2026-07-05
Learning objectives
- In Grades 6–8, students define core concepts of financial media literacy with classroom examples — aligned with financial media literacy instruction in middle school classrooms.
- In Grades 6–8, students apply financial media literacy skills to age-appropriate texts and media — aligned with financial media literacy instruction in middle school classrooms.
- In Grades 6–8, students reflect on how financial media literacy supports responsible citizenship — aligned with financial media literacy instruction in middle school classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Open with a 5-minute "Financial Media Literacy" warm-up using a short age-appropriate clip or headline, then chart student questions on the board.
- Run a paired source comparison: give middle school classrooms two short texts on the same event and ask which is more trustworthy and why.
- Close with a written exit ticket: one verified fact, one open question, and one habit students will use this week.
SaC curriculum fit
SaC's digital literacy track includes modules that reinforce financial media literacy through Split-Level handouts and facilitator-ready Navigator's Guides.
Standards alignment note
Districts across the United States align Grades 6–8 media literacy instruction to state ELA, social studies, and library standards. SaC resources support local adoption — they do not replace state-specific scope and sequence requirements. Review your state framework when mapping 6–8 outcomes.
Related resources
Other grade bands — Financial Media Literacy