Money Math Center Activities For First Graders

Let’s talk about money!

There’s a lot of value (pun completely intended!) to teaching primary students how to count money is such an important skill. Why? We use money every day!

Through sorting coins by attributes, adding the value of different coins, and comparing amounts, students will be money experts in no time!

Why do we teach money?

We teach students the attributes of different coins. It’s tricky to remember the value of coins. For example, a penny and nickel are taller and thicker than a dime, but a dime has more value! The best way for students to learn how to count with coins is to practice using hands-on activities.

How do you teach students the attributes of coins?

It’s easier than you think!

1. Students need to observe coins and identify the attributes of each coin. They should discuss the color, thickness, size, words and images they see.
2. Learn that each coin has a different value – a quarter has more value than a nickel, but five nickels has the same value as a quarter.
3. Sort coins

Phew! That’s a lot, but your primary students can do it!

How can I integrate this skill throughout the year?

Here’s what you can do to make sure what you teach them sticks!

1. Incorporate it into your math calendar routine
2. Reward system – have students earn money for good choices or for completing a responsibility, and at the end of a specific time frame, they can go to the class store and spend their money.

Hands-on learning!

Here are some activities you can play to teach students the attributes of coins, the value of each coin, and sorting activities!

What do you notice?

Students record or say what they notice about different coins.

Coin sort

Students sort the coins by their attributes or devise their own sorting rule!

Grab and Sort

Students grab a handful of coins and sort them. They record how many of each type of coin they grabbed.

Vocabulary Strip

This can be a great reference for students needing support with remembering coins’ value.

Coin Posters

Display in the classroom as a reference.

Count and Cover Dimes

Students pick a number card, count how many dimes, record the amount and cover the amount.

Count and Cover Pennies

A great way to review counting by tens. Students pick a number card, count how many pennies, record the amount and cover the amount.

Money BINGO

A classic game of BINGO with coins. Students count the coins on the BINGO card and cover the amount on their BINGO board. The first person to get 3 in a row wins.

Make It Three Ways

Since coins have different values, different coin combinations can produce the same amount. For this activity, students build numbers using 3 different coins.

Spin and Cover

This is a great coin value identification game. Students spin the spinner and cover the amount.

Roll and Cover

Students roll the die and cover the coin with the same value.

Grab, Count and Compare

Students grab 2 handfuls of coins, count them, record the amount and use < or > to compare.

Roll and Show

This is a partner game. Students roll the die. The move that many spaces. The number they land on is the amount they show in the piggy bank. Alternatively, players can draw a model or use coins.

Roll, Count, and Write

Students roll the die and move that many spaces. The coin they land on is the amount they write in the piggy bank. This is a great activity for students that struggle with identifying coins and their value.

Puzzle #1

Students match the name of the coin, the value, and the front and the back of the coin.

Target Number

Students pick a card and place it in the middle. They then draw or use coins to show an amount greater than and less than the target number. 

Don’t Go Bankrupt!

This is a personal favorite! Students start with 5 pennies in their “bank account.” They pick a number card and will add or take away from that amount. After they go through all the cards, the person with the most amount wins.

Roll, Cover, and Count

Students roll a die three times and place the coins on the mat. They add the coins up and write the amount.

Spin and Add

Students spin the spinner and add the amounts. They write a matching equation.

Show it Two Ways

Students pick a number card and show the number using coins, drawing the amount, and using base 10 blocks.

Show Me the Money

Students pick a card and show the amount two ways by using coins or drawing a model.

Coin Booklet

This is a fun coloring book! Students draw pennies to show the value of a quarter, nickel, and dime. 

Coin Sort

Printable sort worksheet! Students color, cut, sort, and glue the coins in the correct column.

What are some activities you engage with your students to teach them the attributes of coins? Let me know in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to download your freebie!

Click here for more hands-on math activities.

Grab these activities

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Money Math Center Freebie

You can never have too many math center activities. Here’s a freebie from my Money (Coins) packet. You can grab this low-prep activity by completing the form below. 

How do you teach place value in your classroom? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Teaching!

Tee!