Dorisa Sanderson, a math instructional coach for Swansboro Elementary School, acted as a salesperson for the school’s first financial literacy workshop last Thursday evening to teach students critical thinking skills when spending money and basic math skills.

The workshop, also known as the “Elf Shop,” had a variety of little Christmas gifts for students to buy for their parents such as spa gift bags and scarves for $5, socks and mugs for $3, stuffed animals for $2 and lip balms for $1. The students were given a packet of play money and worksheets that guided them through the basics of currency, as well as a budget allowance of $5 to buy from the shop.

“You can spend up to $5. What do you want to get mom for Christmas?” Sanderson asked a first-grade student, Andy Garcia Torres, as she pointed out the options for him while reminding him of his $5 budget.

Torres spent his whole $5 budget on the gift bag containing spa products such as mini-lotions and hand creams.

After picking up the gift bag, the first-grader enjoyed coloring snowmen, watching Christmas movies, and eating cookies in a nearby classroom. Meanwhile, in the school’s cafeteria, Swansboro Elementary parents were learning about various financial literacy resources.

The first financial literacy night featured vendors such as RVA Financial, which helped parents open bank accounts and explore loan opportunities. Real estate agents offered advice to parents interested in homeownership, while career advisors and stylist Angela McNeal provided guidance on résumé building and dressing for job interviews.

Principal Theron Sampson said the financial literacy night was in response to the community’s need for financial and career resources.

“We all have a heart for education and for people,” he said. “When we see the need naturally, our instincts as teachers and as loving people kick in because we want to see our community successful and their needs met.”

In addition to the first financial literacy night, the event also brought emphasis to families of English as a second language learners, or ESL. According to Richmond Public Schools, Swansboro Elementary has almost 62% of ESL students who speak predominantly Spanish as their first language. Due to the large demographic, the school offers evening and virtual classes to support non-English speaking parents.

“[Non-English speaking parents] are committed,” said Daniela Fernandes, Swansboro Elementary School’s ESL instructor, who teaches the evening and virtual classes. “They know how important the language is and how much it will benefit them.”

Swansboro Elementary Financial Literacy Coach Twanya Jones emphasized that financial literacy has to start with parents, who then pass on these skills to their children to make better financial decisions.

“I think with leaving here tonight, not only will [parents] be able to have a clear understanding, they’ll probably value money just a little bit more,” Jones said. “Even when it comes to our littles, they’ll be able to pour that back into the home.”