Even a preschooler can be taught about the value of money, and at age 5, a child should understand at least 17 ways to save money.  That’s according to “America Saves”, a national non-profit campaign encouraging individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth.

And what better way to get youngsters interested than a Piggy Bank Decorating Contest, along with a story time breakfast, featuring “silver dollar” pancakes.

The Ellis County Extension office and Hays Public Library’s Children’s Department recently partnered to make the learning fun.

“It’s basic concepts that can help kids learn about money, “says FACS Extension Agent Linda Beech.  “Show them coins.  They may not remember the value, but they can see that each coin is different.”

Beech and Youth Services Librarian Brandon Hines helped demonstrate the spending of $1 using 100 pennies while HPL’s “Queen of Fun” Miss Vanessa read the book, “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday, ” by Judith Vorist.

“You can illustrate that what appears to be a lot of money actually goes away once it is spent,” says Beech.

Winners of the piggy bank decorating contest were given rolls of coins to put in their banks from area financial institutions.