Banker Nat A Brite Star Learn About Money Copyright © 2023 by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)3 All rights reserved. Published by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc. 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway Suite 338 Las Vegas, Nevada 89141 Vincent W. Goett, Publisher
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979-8-89750-288-2
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When the kids arrived at Brite Star School they saw Janitor Brad raising the American flag up the flagpole as he did every day. “Hi Janitor Brad,” Miles called. Today wasCareer Day at Brite Star School. The kids didn’t know who wascoming to talk about a career today. Career Day wasalways fun and today’s speaker would be a surprise.
“Good morning, class. Please sit down at your desks. Our special Career Day guest today is Landon’s mother,” said Ms. Betty. Everyone was excited to hear about Landon’s mom’s career. Landon wasextraexcited because he had the privilege of introducing his momto the class.
“OK Landon, you can take over now,” Ms. Betty said. A pretty woman dressed in a professional suit came and stood nexttoLandon. “Quiet everybody,” Landon said. The class got quiet but they were all curious about Landon’s mom. Usually the Career Day guest wassomeone’s father. They all wondered whatLandon’s momdid for her career.
“This is mymom. She’s pretty special. She’s my mombut she’s also an important person in Brite Star,”Landon said. “She helps the people of Brite Star by giving them money to buy things. She helps businesses, too, by giving them loans to grow their businesses bigger.” The class wasvery curious about where Landon’s momworked. “Say hi to mymom, Banker Nat, the manager of the Brite Star Bank.” “Hi Banker Nat!” everyone said.
“Thank you for that excellent introduction, Landon,” said Banker Nat. “I amvery happy to be here. I’m excited to tell you about Brite Star Bank and what wedo there. Let’s start with the basics. Who knows whata bank is?” The kids weren’t sure whatto say. Finally Alexander said, “ A bank is where robbers go to steal money. Then Officer Dan catches them and puts them in jail.” Everyone agreed with Alexander’sexplanation.
“That doesn’t happen muchanymore, thank goodness,” Banker Nat said. “But, you’re right that Officer Dan would take a bank robber to jail. Banks today are where you put your money to keep it safe. Youcan also get loans from a bank to buy things like a car or a house.”
“Our bank also gives loans to businesses that need money to grow their business bigger,” Banker Nat said.
“What helps a business grow bigger?” Stella asked. “Good question,” Banker Nat said. “Think about a clothing store that needs to have clothing to sell. A loan helps them buy whatthey need to have in the store. They also might need to buy racks to display the clothes. Or, they might need a larger building for their store. That takes money,too.”
“I help everyone who comes into the bank,” Banker Nat said. “I help people open a new bank account. I help people and businesses get loans. I can help whatever people’s financial needs are.” “Can anybody get a loan?” Jimmy asked.
“Yes,anybody. I help by seeing how much money you or your business can get.” “You sure have a lot to do, Banker Nat,” said Jimmy. “Well, I have a lot of people who help me,” Banker Nat said. “I manage mystaff of workers. That’s why I’m called the Bank Manager.”
“I’m very excited to tell you about a couple of events that are planned for you,” Banker Nat said. “The first one is that Brite Star Bank is inviting all of you to come see the bank. And, with the approval of your parents, wewill help you open your first bank account.” The students were very excited about that! “Landon, would you pass out the bank books I brought? These are used to keep track of how much money you put into your accounts. Take these home and show your parents.”
Ms. Betty stood up and said, “The nextevent is a project. Youand a partner will start your own business and run the business for twomonths. At the end of twomonths you will present your businesses results to Banker Nat. When you have it all planned, you can present it to Banker Nat. The team she chooses for first place will each receive a prize of $25 deposited in their accounts at Brite Star Bank.” Everyone cheered for that great project! “Let’s all thank Banker Nat for today’s career presentation,” Ms. Betty said. “Thank you, Banker Nat!” the students said.
Alex grabbed his sister Liz and pulled her over to a corner. “Liz, let’s work together. I’ll do a magic show and you can be myassistant. We’ll win first prize for sure!” he said. “Great idea,” Liz said. “And, I’ll write an article about the contest and our project for the Brite Star Gazette.”
Think About It 1. What is a bankfor? 2. What is Banker Nat’s position at the bank? 3. What is the first special event Banker Nat told the classabout? 4. What business does Alex wantto do withhis sister? 5. What newspaper does Liz writefor?
Let’s Work Together! Talkto your parents about what they have used a bank to help themwith. Did they get a loan to buy your house? Do they have a business? Do they have a checking or savings account? What bank do they use? Have you ever been inside the bank withthem? Iwill . . . • Talkto my parents about opening my own bankaccount. • Ask for help in deciding howmuchof my money to save and how muchIcanspend. • Think about a business Imight wantto begin someday. It’s a lot of fun to have money to spend. It’s also important to save for the future. Iwill askmy parents for help to figure out howmuchto save and even get ideas of what Iwant to save for. Learn to be wise in howyou use your money.
In Banker Nat the Brite Star Kids get a visit from Banker Nat who teaches the class about banks and the role they play in helping businesses