Kids learn the dangers of debt

At first sight, the 21 children grouped around a circle of treestumps appear to be playing. Some wear hats. Others aprons. One has a walking stick. All are laughing excitedly. Listen carefully and it becomes clear that they are acting, playing the roles of a family preparing for supper.

The children are all in the Primary 4 class at St Philomena's School on the eastern edge of Glasgow city centre. And though looks can be deceptive, this group of eight and nine-year-olds are at the forefront of financial education in Britain.

They are acting out scenes from a new book that could help get children into the right financial habits from an early age. The book, On The Money, was launched in Edinburgh last week and will be used in classrooms across the UK. It is a collection of stories that encourage pupils to think about financial issues.

On The Money is a joint venture between Learning and Teaching Scotland and the Scottish Book Trust. The project is being paid for by the Standard Life group.

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