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Counting coins
Can do: Names coins, knows their values, and counts a mixed handful by starting with the biggest.
Why it matters
Coins are skip counting with a purpose, and they're the only place most children meet fives and tens as real quantities.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Counts each coin as one, or assumes the physically bigger coin is worth more.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Hand them two dimes, one nickel and three pennies. "How much is this?"
Solid looks like: 28 cents, counting from the biggest coin down.
The full activity for this topic · 15 minutes
Shop at Home
- 1Price five items with sticky notes, all under 50 cents.
- 2Give them a handful of mixed coins and let them buy things.
- 3Insist on the rule out loud: "Start with the biggest coin and count on."
- 4Swap roles so they have to give change — much harder and much more useful.
- 5Try one item two ways: "Can you pay for this with different coins?"
If it's too hard
One coin type at a time — all pennies, then all nickels.
If it's too easy
Give change from a dollar, and find two different coin combinations for the same price.
Say this
"Biggest coin first. Twenty-five… now count on from there."