If I had a nickel for every teacher who complained about students not knowing their coins (see what I did there?), well, I’d be a rich woman. It seems to be a lost skill (along the lines of cursive), but it’s too important for us to let it happen. There’s lots we can do in the classroom, but this is also a great skill for families to reinforce at home. Check out this “Sort and Count Your Coins” activity for grades K-5. It’s all part of our Adventures in Math resource center.
How does the “Sort and Count Your Coins” activity work?
This activity invites families to challenge their student to search for spare change around their home (don’t forget the laundry area and the car!). Then, the student sorts and counts the coins by type, records them on the chart, and tallies the total value.
Why teach sorting and counting coins?
Learning how to sort and count coins helps children understand the value of money and develop essential math skills. By sorting coins, students learn to recognize and differentiate between different denominations such as pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. This skill lays the foundation for understanding the concept of currency and its use in daily life. Counting coins also strengthens basic arithmetic skills like addition and subtraction. Moreover, it teaches students practical money management skills that they can apply in real-life situations, such as making purchases and handling change. As students become proficient in sorting and counting coins, they gain confidence in handling money and become more financially literate individuals.