Teaching Tools
A series of lesson plans have been developed by CIVIX to guide teachers through the 2025 Student Budget Consultation.
The lessons are designed to increase knowledge about budgeting, improve understanding about the Canadian government, encourage discussion about political issues, and develop critical thinking and decision making skills.
Using the suggested activities and teaching tools, teachers are encouraged to spend 3 to 5 classes covering the content and participating in the 2025 Student Budget Consultation. Please use, modify, rearrange and choose from the lessons and related resource material as you see fit.
If you are using a Google Doc lesson or activity link, please ensure that you make a copy of the document when prompted.
Lesson 1: Basics of Budgeting
- Lesson 1: Basics of Budgeting [1.PDF] [1.Word] [1.Google Doc]
- Video: ‘Introduction to the 2025 Student Budget Consultation’ [YouTube]
- Video: ‘Budgeting 101’ [YouTube]
- Video: ‘How Does the Federal Government’s Budget Impact You?’ [YouTube]
- Activity 1.1: Needs vs. Wants [1.1 PDF] [1.1 Word] [1.1 Google Doc]
- Activity 1.2: Personal Budget Plan [1.2 PDF] [1.2 Word] [1.2 Google Doc]
- Handout 1.3: Financial Profiles [1.3 PDF] [1.3 Word] [1.3 Google Doc]
- Handout 1.4: Average Expenses [1.4 PDF] [1.4 Word] [1.4 Google Doc]
- Activity 1.5: Then vs. Now [1.5 PDF] [1.5 Word] [1.5 Google Doc]
Lesson 2: The Federal Budget
- Lesson 2: The Federal Budget [2.PDF] [2.Word] [2.Google Doc]
- Videos: ‘The Federal Budget’ series [The Federal Budget]
- Slide Deck A: Budget Basics Trivia [A. PPT] [A. Google Slides]
- Slide Deck B: The Government of Canada’s Expenditures [B. PPT] [B. Google Slides]
- Slide Deck C: The Government of Canada’s Revenues [C. PPT] [C. Google Slides]
- Handout 2.1: 2024 Budget Highlights [2.1 PDF] [2.1 Word] [2.1 Google Doc]
Lesson 3: Economic Issues
- Lesson 3: Economic Issues [3.PDF] [3.Word] [3.Google Doc]
- Video: ‘Major Issues for Budget 2025’ [YouTube]
- Activity 3.1: Rank Order – Budget Priorities [3.1 PDF] [3.1 Word] [3.1 Google Doc]
- Activity 3.2: Understanding the Economy [3.2 PDF] [3.2 Word] [3.2 Google Doc]
Lesson 4: Political Perspectives
- Lesson 4: Political Perspectives [4.PDF] [4.Word] [4.Google Doc]
- Activity 4.1: Reflection Card [4.1 PDF] [4.1 Word] [4.1 Google Doc]
- Slide Deck D: The Political Spectrum [D. PPT] [D. Google Slides]
- Video: ‘The Political Spectrum’ [YouTube]
- Student Budget Consultation Survey: [Survey PDF] [Survey Google Doc]
