Coin Play

Most people have a pile of change somewhere in their possession. Let's use that change and turn it into fun learning activities with your child. Activities in today's blog can be used from toddler to pre-teen.

Obviously with all of these activities, it is highly reccomended that you are there for the entire activity. Children put things in their mouth, no matter what it is, and we need to ensure no harm comes to our child with tempting items. I have seen what it can do to a child (happened to a family member) and it is important to be reminded of that.

1. Smallest-Largest

With your younger ones, give them the full range of sizes and have them put them in order. Let them practice smallest to largest and reverse.

2. Sorting

This is a great next step and works with their coordination skills.

3. Identification

If you didn't do already, this can be done during process 1 and 2 or as it's own lesson.

4. Counting

Pennies and all, each type can be counted. You can put them in groups of 5 or 10, or count totals.

If you have an older child, tables and graphs, and/or adding up total amounts are great practice.

5. Skip Counting

With the piles from counting or by using dimes and nickels, have your child count up totals as they skip count along.

6. Shop Play

Monopoly or real money can be used. They can play the shop keeper (add up total purchase and give change back) or you can give them a designated amount and have them figure out how many items they can get.

7. Save Up

If your child gets an allowance or expected earned money, have them figure out how long they would have to save or how much they would have to work to earn the money.

Which activity do you like best? Let me know!