EconReads is a local initiative of the Purdue Center for Economic Education (PCEE) that brings guest speakers into classrooms across Indiana’s Tippecanoe County and the surrounding area to share the joy of reading while introducing young learners to the world of economics.
Aimed at students in kindergarten through second grade, the program uses carefully selected, age-appropriate books as a starting point for conversations about all things economics!
Each visit combines storytelling with simple, engaging activities that help children connect the story to real-life economic ideas. Students might sort, trade, or role-play — turning abstract concepts into hands-on experiences they can understand and remember.
This program is offered during the month of October in celebration of Economic Education Month, highlighting the importance of building financial literacy and economic understanding from an early age. By planting these ideas early, EconReads helps build a foundation for critical thinking and lifelong learning.
EconReads was developed by the Arizona Council on Economic Education, and PCEE is proud to bring this program to the state of Indiana.
Interested in having a guest speaker come to your class as part of PCEE's EconReads initiative?
Send an email to pcee@purdue.edu with “EconReads” in the subject line.
EconReads helps children see how the stories they love connect to the world around them. Each visit encourages students to strengthen their reading skills while also learning about basic economic ideas in a fun, hands-on way. The result is a classroom of curious, confident learners who are beginning to understand both the joy of books and the value of smart decision-making.
Teachers gain more than just an engaging classroom experience — they receive lessons that tie directly to Indiana’s academic standards. Every EconReads session comes with a ready-to-use lesson plan and a classroom copy of the book, making it easy to extend the learning.
Participating teachers also have the opportunity to earn professional growth credits, all while seeing their students deeply engaged.
Volunteers get the chance to make a lasting difference by reading stories and leading simple activities that spark “aha” moments for kids. It’s an opportunity to encourage literacy, introduce important life skills, and enjoy the satisfaction of helping young learners discover new ways of thinking. Sharing your time with students through EconReads is both meaningful and rewarding.
Standard K.E.2: Identify and describe different kinds of jobs that people do and the tools or equipment used in these jobs.
Standard 1.E.1: Identify goods (e.g., tangible objects, such as food or toys, that can satisfy people's wants) that people use.
Standard 1.E.2: Identify services (e.g., actions that someone does for someone else) that people do for each other.
Standard 2.E.2: Research goods and services produced in the local community, and describe how people can be both producers and consumers.
The students were highly engaged throughout the activities. The book H is for Hoosier and an economic ABC our class created were extremely creative. It was rewarding to see students apply what they learned in a hands-on way and ask thoughtful questions. Overall, it was a fun and meaningful learning experience for everyone!
Ashley RandallBurnett Creek Elementary School 2nd grade teacher & 2025 EconReads participant
We partner primarily with local financial institutions such as banks and credit unions. If you are interested in volunteering as a guest speaker, please reach out using the contact information provided above.
No. All volunteers receive training from our staff to prepare you for working with students and leading the activity.
Currently, EconReads is offered in Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade classrooms only.
Each visit lasts about 45-60 minutes. The story and activity are designed to fit within 45 minutes, with an additional 10-15 minutes recommended for setup, cleanup, and student questions.
No. Each classroom is visited one time during the month of October.
No. EconReads is provided to schools and teachers at no cost.
Have questions? Send an email to pcee@purdue.edu with “EconReads” in the subject line.
