Explain the function of ATMs. This may be part of an explanation on how to open and maintain a bank account. As part of the discussion on depositing or withdrawing money, talk about ATMs as a way to facilitate both processes, noting that not all ATMs take deposits. Also teach vocabulary related to ATM machines, such as "cash withdrawal," "checking account," "savings account," "deposit," "cash" and "check." Tell students to note that these words may appear on an ATM screen.
Draw a picture of an ATM on the board. If you have a large photograph of one, put it up on a wall. In a classroom environment, explain the different parts of the ATM. Label where the bank card is inserted, the keypad and where the money comes out. If your area has ATMs that accept deposits, label where the envelopes are kept and inserted. If ATMs in your area accept deposits without using an envelope, show students where to insert the cash and checks directly. Explain to students that they will need to confirm the amount of their deposits as they appear on the screen.
Role play going to the ATM to withdraw money. Show students a real bank card and demonstate how to orient the card for proper insertion and where to insert it. Discuss the different screens that will appear on the ATM monitor, such as whether they want to take money out of their checking or savings, if they want to withdraw a "quick cash" amount -- usually in denominations of $20 bills -- or how to type in the amount they want. Tell students that they there is a daily withdraw limit. If possible, tell them exactly what the limit is for their bank. Also explain that they have to take out a minimum of $20 in most cases, that coins are not given and that they generally have to take out money in denominations of $20.
Stress the importance of getting a receipt to keep for students' records. Tell students to record their ATM withdrawals in their checkbook or savings account registers just like any other transaction. Explain to students that receipts should be destroyed before being discarded as they sometimes contain account information others could use to steal their money.
Create a handout that includes a picture of an ATM and the steps needed to make a withdraw and deposit. If your students do not speak English, write the steps down in their native language. If they are not literate in English or any other language, encourage them to bring someone who can read with them to use an ATM machine. Tell students to bring their pictures and steps with them to the ATM machine when they use one the first few times. Another option is to use numbers to point out the parts of the ATM to use in order if the students are not completely literate but can recognize English numerals.
Make arrangements with a bank or the manager at an ATM facility to bring a large group of people to the ATM to teach them to use it. It can be unnerving to customers and to security personnel to see many people crowded around an ATM. Show students how to use the ATM in person on an individual basis if possible again when they open their bank accounts.