How to Help Kids Learn to Count Change
- 1). Teach kids how to identify coins and bills. Start with either play or real money, and give the kids one of each bill and coin. Tell them the name of each coin and the amount each coin and bill represents. It helps to review this by using printouts that have pictures of money and placing the monetary amount next to each. Enchanted Learning has printable money booklets and printouts to help you teach your kids how to identify money.
- 2). Give your child a piggy bank. Take time each day to practice counting out the coins. Make a game of putting in different amounts. Try 54, 23, 78 cents and any other amount you want to practice. Once the kids become comfortable handling the money, they can move on to counting back change. Apples 4 the Teacher has an interactive online money game that helps kids practice their math skills.
- 3). Do a dramatic play activity that shows your kids how to count back change. You be the checkout person and make one of your kids the customer at a grocery store. Total up the amount owed and count change until you reach the amount your child gives you. Let your children watch you make change several times before allowing them to try it themselves. Use a play cash register and play grocery items if you have them.
- 4). Practice, practice, practice using real money. Counting back coins will be harder than counting back bills, so focus more on coins when you practice with your kids. If they are still having a hard time, back up and start with simpler numbers for them to count back. They can get more practice online at Fun Brain. You can choose the difficulty level at this site.
