Learning about money management and the importance of saving is one of the most valuable life lessons you can give your child. A simple piggy bank — or, in this case, a charming turtle-shaped bank — helps inculcate good money habits from an early age. You can make your own coin bank with just a few household items and recycled materials!

More than just a craft, this hands-on activity is a great way to integrate financial literacy and key developmental skills:

  • Introduces numeracy: Children at this age may not grasp the face value of money yet, but they can count the number of coins and sort them by size or colour. This reinforces basic counting and sorting skills.
  • Builds discipline and patience: Children gain satisfaction not just in filling their coin bank, but also from setting and achieving goals, such as saving up for a toy or birthday gift. This teaches them the reward of sustained effort.
  • Boosts self-control: Saving money for a future purchase helps children learn to manage their impulses (e.g. “I want it now”). This is a fantastic way to develop executive functioning and social skills needed for planning and making choices.

TURTLE COIN BANK

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Recycled plastic drink bottle
  • Penknife
  • Sandpaper or clear tape
  • Flat sponge cloth or foam packaging
  • Marker
  • Scissors
  • Glue

A child inserts a coin into a handmade piggy bank, showcasing a fun craft for children that also teaches good saving habits.Encourage good saving habits by asking your child to choose an item they want to buy. When they achieve their savings goal or reach a certain value, offer a small treat or top up their coin bank to reinforce the behaviour.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS

  1. Cut the base of a plastic drink bottle with a penknife. This step must be done by an adult. Once cut, smooth the edges with sandpaper (or cover with clear tape) to keep little fingers safe.
  2. Place the cut bottle on a sponge cloth (or foam packaging). Using a marker, trace the outline of the bottle (turtle’s shell) and add the head, legs and tail. Cut out your sponge turtle.
  3. Flip the sponge over and draw the turtle’s eyes, mouth and claws. Make a slit in the centre of the sponge to insert the coins.
  4. Apply glue around the edges of the plastic shell and press it firmly onto the sponge body. Wait for it to dry completely before use.

A practical tip for parents making the turtle coin bank craft with their children.