The big ideaSaving a little each week gets you there. More coins a week means fewer weeks.
How it works
Maya wanted a bike that cost 12 pretend coins, and she had none yet. Big things take time.
She put a few coins in a jar each week. More coins a week means fewer weeks.
A treat along the way is okay. It only moves the day a little later.
More coins a week, fewer weeks.A treat in week two.
Example 1: Count the weeks
The bike costs 12 coins. Maya saves 3 coins a week.
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
That is 4 threes, so it takes 4 weeks.
Example 2: Save more each week
At 1 coin a week it takes 12 weeks.
At 2 coins a week: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12
That is 6 weeks, so the first extra coin cut 12 − 6 = 6 weeks.
Example 3: A treat moves the day
Maya saves 3 coins a week, and the jar has 3 after week 1.
In week two she adds 3 and spends 2 on a treat: 3 + 3 − 2 = 4
After week 3: 4 + 3 = 7
After week 4: 7 + 3 = 10. That is not enough yet.
After week 5: 10 + 3 = 13. Now she can buy the bike.
The jar after each week.
Example 4: Less and less saved
From 1 coin to 2 coins a week cuts 12 − 6 = 6 weeks.
From 2 coins to 3 coins cuts 6 − 4 = 2 weeks.
From 3 coins to 4 coins cuts 4 − 3 = 1 week.
Each extra coin saves less time.
Words to know
goal
What you are saving for.
plan
How many coins a week, and for how long.
treat
A small thing you buy along the way.
week
Seven days. Maya puts coins in the jar once a week.
Watch out
Three coins a week for 3 weeks is only 9 coins, not 12.
A treat uses coins, so the goal comes a little later. It does not stop it.
One coin a week still works. It just takes 12 weeks.
Try it
At 4 coins a week, how many weeks to save 12 coins?
At 6 coins a week, how many weeks to save 12 coins?
Maya buys a treat in week two. Does the bike come sooner or later?
Answers: 1. 3 weeks · 2. 2 weeks · 3. Later
Try at homeAsk a grown-up what you can save up for in your own rewards list.
For grown-upsThese are pretend coins. Help your child pick one small goal and work out how many weeks it would take at 1, 2 and 3 coins a week. The Mission asks them to find something to save for in their own rewards list.
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