Quarters, Nickels, and Dimes, Oh My!

We did a unit study on money recently. My children are ages 4 and 6. We cut out circles of various sizes - quarter, nickel, dime, penny and then colored each one and included the appropriate number (.25, .10 etc.) on the front of each circle. We also used the coin exercise worksheets from this site during the week.

At the end of the week, I set up a "store" and the children placed price tags on all the items in the amount of .01, .05, .10, .25. We have a toy cash register and shopping cart so we used those as well. Then we went shopping with real quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies. We have played this over and over and the children have really grasped the concept of money. We will continue to use the "shopping game" as we learn additional math skills - adding, subtracting, making change etc.
~Bebb

Teaching money is the perfect candidate for hands-on learning. Get out the real thing, use play money, or even make your own, but the more realistic the better. Forum members shared their creative tips, now it's your turn. Share your ideas for teaching kids about money.