Banking · Checks & Check Writing · HTML Lesson
How to Write a Check
An online lesson and video walking students step by step through writing a personal check — from the date and payee through the amount in words, memo, and signature. The lesson and video are free. An accompanying worksheet is available with Full Membership.
What Students Learn
Learning objectives
- How to write the correct date on a check and why the date matters for processing
- How to write the payee name clearly and accurately so the check can be cashed or deposited without issues
- How to write the payment amount in numerals in the designated dollar box
- How to write the payment amount in words on the amount line — including cents expressed as a fraction
- The purpose of the memo field and how it helps both parties track the reason for payment
- Key tips: use blue or black ink, void checks with errors rather than crossing them out, and record every check in your check register
Video Lesson
Watch: How to Write a Check — Step-by-Step
Interactive
Try it: step through writing a check
Watch each part of a check get filled in, one field at a time. Tap Next to move through the six steps at your own pace — no sign-in needed.
Step 1 of 6
Ready to write a check?
A check has six parts to fill in. Press Next and we’ll walk through each one, showing you exactly what goes where.
Interactive · Practice
Now you try: fill out the check
Fill in each part of the check to match the task below, then press Check my check to see how you did. Get a fresh task any time with New check. Nothing is saved and no sign-in is needed.
ORDER OF
For Teachers
How to use this lesson
Play the video, then have students practice writing checks using blank check templates. Work through the amount-in-words step slowly — writing cents as a fraction (e.g., 47/100) is where most errors occur. The lesson page includes step-by-step instructions, a completed check example, and a worksheet requiring Full Membership.
Practice activity: Give each student 3 scenario cards (a rent payment, a gift to a friend, a utility bill) and have them write a check for each. Swap papers and check each other’s work against the lesson criteria. Discussion: What happens if the numerical amount and written amount don’t match?
Best positioned after students understand what a checking account and a check are, and before lessons on the check register. Works in financial literacy, life skills, and consumer math classes — and particularly valuable in adult education settings.
Lesson Plan
How to write a check — full lesson plan
Objective
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the process and importance of writing a check properly.
Materials needed
- The “How to Write a Check” video (above)
- Sample checks or blank check templates
- Pens (preferably blue or black ink)
- Whiteboard or projector; quiz sheets
Procedure
Introduction (5 minutes). Ask, “How many of you have ever written a check?” Discuss the shift to digital transactions and the declining use of checks, and outline why checks still matter in certain situations.
Video presentation (10 minutes). Play the “How to Write a Check” video and have students take notes.
Discussion (10 minutes). Work through these questions as a class:
- Why might some people still prefer or require checks over digital payments?
- What is the significance of dating a check?
- Why is it important to write the payee’s full name correctly?
- How do you write out the amount in words on a check?
- What is the purpose of the “Memo” or “For” section on a check?
- Why is the signature vital on a check?
Activity (15 minutes). Hand out sample checks or blank templates and walk students through writing a check step by step. Have each student write a mock check to “Jane Doe” for $152.50 with the memo “Books Purchase,” then collect the checks and discuss common errors.
Quick tips recap (5 minutes). Reinforce using a pen (blue or black ink), starting over with a new check if a mistake is made, and keeping track of every check written.
Quiz (10 minutes). Give a short quiz (multiple choice, true/false, and short answer) on the video content, then review the answers together.
Conclusion (5 minutes). Reiterate the importance of writing a check correctly — while checks are less common today, they remain a valuable tool in certain situations.
Assessment. Students are assessed on their participation in discussion, their mock checks, and their quiz results.
The lesson content and video above are free to use. The printable worksheet below is available with Full Membership.
Printable Worksheet · Full Membership
How to Write a Check — Worksheet & Answer Key
A printable worksheet on writing a check correctly — payee, amounts in numbers and words, date, memo, and signature — with an answer key for teacher use.
Related Lesson
Want a full lesson that includes writing checks?
The Checking Account Simulation has students write three checks as part of a complete monthly register — rent, internet, and utilities. Teacher guide and answer key included.
Related Topics
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