Materials
12 paper plates
Paper pennies, nickels and dimes or real pennies, nickels and dimes
Marker
Instructions
1. Using paper or real coins, teach the children the names and values of the penny, the nickel and the dime. Observe and discuss the front side and the back of each coin.
2. Have the children count out equivalent groups, such as one nickel and five pennies; one dime and two nickels; and one dime and two nickels or one nickel and five pennies or ten pennies.
3. Write the name of each coin on two paper plates and the cents value of each coin on two paper plates, for a total of twelve plates.
4. Set out all twelve plates on the floor in a large area. Then ask the children to put one foot on the plate worth five cents. Keep in mind that there are four possible correct plates to choose from for their answer, the two plates labeled "five cents" and the two plates labeled "nickel." Continue posing questions while the children move around finding the correct plate to stand on. This gives them a chance to move around the room and also a chance to follow the crowd if they are unsure of the answer.
5. If your children are ready to moving on to quarters, discuss the value and appearance of the quarter and add more plates to the game to include the quarter in the game.More to doMath: Prepare little price tags and place them on books and toys around your room. The children can use the paper coins to purchase items at the "Classroom Store."
