Coin Money

Learning how to count money is an essential math skill that all children should master since they will have to do so in daily life. When learning how to count coins, the first step is to identify the name of each coin and its value. Once your kids have the ability to identify each coin and its value, be sure to test their skills by having them combine different coins to add up to a certain amount. Learning how to count coins can be a challenge at first, but with practice a child can master this skill in no time!

Coins and their Values

This is a penny and it holds the value of 1 cent or 1¢, which is equal to 1/100 of a dollar meaning 100 pennies equals 1 dollar.

This is a nickel and it holds the value of 5 cents or 5¢, which is equal to 5/100 of a dollar meaning 20 nickels equals 1 dollar.

This is a dime and it holds the value of 10 cents or 10¢, which is equal to 10/100 of a dollar meaning 10 dimes equals 1 dollar.

This is a quarter and it holds the value of 25 cents or 25¢, which is equal to 25/100 of a dollar meaning 4 quarters equals 1 dollar.

Counting Coins

Once your child can identify the different coins and their values, it is important to have them practice counting coins often. There are many different games that you can play and tasks that you can assign in order to help your child master the skill of counting coins.

Count My Money
A great game to play with kids is having them count loose change. Take the change out of your pocket or coin jar and have your child count how much is there. Have them start by sorting the coins into groups of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters and then count each group before adding them all together. This is an easy way to have them practice and you can slowly add more coins as they get better.

Coin Combo
Instead of having kids count coins that are in front of them, challenge them to figure out what coins they can combine to add up to an amount you choose. For example, ask them which coins combine to equal 47 cents and then see how many different combinations they can come up with. This will force them to understand how to give the correct amount of coins in a real life situation.

Correct Change
Once your child has mastered the skill of counting and combining money, you might consider creating an even more difficult challenge by asking them to give the correct change. For example, ask them how much change you will get back if you pay $5 for a $4.63 meal and then have them tell you which coins they would give you. This skill will force them to subtract coins and know which coins they should use to equal that amount.

Understanding how to recognize and use coin money is an essential skill that all children should learn. Challenge your kids often and have them count coins regularly so they become familiar with the task. In no time, your child will be able to easily recognize, use, and count money.