Project Explore
K – 4th Grade Financial Literacy & SEL
Designed for Elementary Classrooms, After-School Programs, and District Adoption.
Join Layla, Riley, Ellis, and Benny on exciting adventures that teach foundational life skills. Each 12-chapter season follows a progressive story arc with hands-on activities that adapt to your schedule and budget.
See a Sample Lesson Watch Story
Why Schools Choose Project Explore
We solve the biggest challenges in implementing elementary financial literacy.
Fills the Standards Gap
Most states lack clear K-4 financial literacy mandates. We provide a structured, standards-aligned roadmap so you don't have to build it.
Zero-Prep for Teachers
Teachers are overwhelmed. Our "click-and-teach" lesson plans require no prior training or evening preparation.
Budget Flexible
Our activities adapt instantly to your available resources, whether you have $0 or some budget to spend.
Differentiation Built-In
Mixed-ability classrooms are the norm. We include scaffolded tiers for every lesson so every student succeeds.
Core Competencies
Read-Aloud Storytelling
Engaging audio narratives and synchronized text highlighting designed for teacher-led read-alouds that build listening comprehension.
Financial Literacy
Age-appropriate money concepts—saving, value, resources, and choices—delivered without anxiety.
Extension Activities
Hands-on projects in 20, 30, or 45-minute formats with three budget tiers. Progressive activities build toward a culminating event.
Characters Kids Love
Story-driven learning that makes abstract concepts sticky and relatable through neighborhood adventures.
Four Seasons of Adventure
Season 1
Neighborhood Treasures
Friends discover value in everyday things. Culminates in a community Treasure Exhibition.
Season 2
Journey to Wonder
Magical travel opens doors to trade, cultural exchange, and global markets.
Season 3
The Maker's Workshop
Friends discover the joy of making things and learn that creations have real value.
Season 4
Seeds of Tomorrow
The culmination where friends give back to their community using everything they've learned.
Meet the Friends
Layla
The Explorer
Riley
The Creator
Ellis
The Planner
Benny
The Connector
Mr. Mason
The Mentor
Frances
The Storyteller
One Story, Four Levels of Learning
Watch the first minute of "Chapter 1: The Secret Garden" at each tier to see how the content adapts.
Season 1: Neighborhood Treasures Season 2: Journey to Wonder Season 3: Makers & Creators Season 4: Enterprise
See Full Season Roadmap
Tier 1 (Grades K-1)
1:00 Preview
Foundational
Focus
Identification & Basic Vocabulary
Tier 2 (Grades 1-2)
1:00 Preview
Developing
Focus
Simple Concepts & Sequencing
Tier 3 (Grades 2-3)
1:00 Preview
Applying
Focus
Decision Making & Empathy
Tier 4 (Grades 3-4)
1:00 Preview
Advanced
Focus
Analysis & Entrepreneurship
Full Curriculum Map
Season 1: Neighborhood Treasures
A complete 12-week narrative arc where students discover value in their own community.
Chapter 1
The Secret Garden
Chapter 2
The Seed Library
Chapter 3
The Trading Post
Chapter 4
The Creek Explorers
Chapter 5
Riley's Art Stand
Chapter 6
The Penny Hunt
Chapter 7
The Secret Fort
Chapter 8
Frances's Recipe Box
Chapter 9
The Repair Shop
Chapter 10
The Library Adventure
Chapter 11
The Giving Garden
Chapter 12
The Treasure Exhibition
View Full Scope & Sequence PDF
Administrative & Teacher Resources
All lesson plans, activities, and teacher guides available in English and Spanish.
Implementation Model
Taught by classroom teachers or enrichment staff. Flexible scheduling. See how one chapter adapts to K-4 tiers in the sample.
Adapts to YOUR Classroom
Every activity customizes to your schedule, budget, and grade level—in real time. No extra planning. Just select and teach.
576+
Lesson Configs
3
Time Options
3
Budget Tiers
4
Grade Levels
2
Languages
1 What You Control
Activity Duration
20 min
30 min
45 min
Budget Level
Standard
$0-3
Low Cost
$4-14
Premium
$15+
Cost per student for materials. Activities adapt to available resources.
PREVIEW
2 Your Lesson Updates Instantly:
- Step-by-step instructions adjust for 20-min timeframe
- Materials list swaps to "Low Cost" items (Recyclables)
- Discussion prompts prioritize core concepts
Comprehensive Toolkit Included
Story Videos
Animated chapters (8-11 min) with text highlighting.
Lesson Plans
Objectives, vocabulary, and CASEL standards alignment.
Differentiation
Specific strategies for ELL, Special Needs, and Advanced learners.
Materials Lists
Prep instructions and creative alternatives for every budget.
Extension Ideas
Enrichment activities and cross-curricular connections.
Assessments
Rubrics and reflection prompts for checking understanding.
Standards Alignment
Common Core ELA
State Financial Literacy Standards
CASEL Social-Emotional Learning
Jump$tart Coalition
See a Chapter at Every Grade Tier (No Sales Call Required)
Get a free sample lesson pack showing K-4 progression.