Maths Week Scotland Meets Milo’s Money!
This Maths Week, we’re teaming up with Education Scotland to get primary schools across Scotland talking about money – with a little help from our friend Milo!
Spend it or save it? Buy a little thing now or a big special thing later? And what happens when there isn’t enough money for everything we’d like?
Money is full of choices. Even from a young age, children are starting to notice them.
Last week, Education Scotland hosted a special live reading of our storybook, Milo’s Money, for primary schools across Scotland. It was a special chance for children to enjoy a fun story, explore some big ideas about money and discover just how much maths pops up in everyday life!
Big conversations can start small
We believe it's never too early to start talking about money, as long as we make those conversations relevant for children's age and stage.
A story is a wonderful place to begin.
Milo’s Money is our storybook, following the story of a young dinosaur called Milo who receives some pocket money for the first time. Milo isn’t sure what to do with his pocket money, so he asks for advice from his family and friends.
As children follow Milo's story, they can wonder what they might do in his shoes. Would they make the same choice? What else could they do? And why?
Suddenly, talking about money doesn't have to feel like a lesson in finance. It's a story, a conversation and a chance to get curious.
It was fantastic to bring Milo to more children thanks to the live reading with Education Scotland, getting them thinking, talking and asking questions about money. And there is plenty for teachers to build on afterwards with over 60 classroom activities and a digital game to explore!
Why money for maths week?
There is a lot of maths hiding in our everyday money choices. How much does something cost? Have I got enough? Which option costs less? How much could I save?
But making money choices isn’t always just about getting the maths right. How we feel, what’s important to us and what’s going on in our lives can all play a part too. One person might choose to save for something they really want, while someone else might decide they would rather spend their money on an experience with family or friends. There isn’t always one right answer.
That's one of the reasons money can be such an interesting way for children to use maths. They can work with numbers and weigh up different options, while also thinking about the feelings and values that can shape the choices we make.
Financial education gives children a safe space to explore all of this. It can help them practise the maths, ask questions and begin to understand their own relationship with money – building skills and confidence they can take with them as they grow.
Laura Whittet, Financial Education Coordinator in Scotland, Just Finance Foundation, said:
“Maths is an important part of making decisions about money, alongside our feelings, priorities and what's important to us.
“Milo’s Money gives children a fun and relatable way to explore those different sides of money. We're really pleased to be working with Education Scotland to share Milo's story with primary schools across Scotland this Maths Week.”
More ways to get Scotland talking about money
The live reading of Milo’s Money was one part of our work with Education Scotland for Maths Week and our shared commitment to supporting financial education for primary-aged children in Scotland.
Maths Week might last a week, but the skills children are building can go much further.
With the support of primary schools and Education Scotland, we want to give more children opportunities to get curious about money, ask questions and start building skills for the future.
And if Milo can help get the conversation started, even better.
About Maths Week Scotland
Maths Week Scotland is an annual celebration of mathematics and numeracy that encourages learners of all ages to explore how maths shapes our lives, communities and future. The programme provides a wide range of opportunities for schools, settings, practitioners, families and partners to engage with mathematics in creative, relevant and enjoyable ways.
Find out more about Maths Week Scotland