Coin Values and Money Basics

Coin Values and Money Basics

What students learn

Students learn the names and values of the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. Start with Money: Name the Coin Values so the coin names and values are clear right away.

Why it matters

Money skills help students recognize what coins are worth and begin comparing small amounts. Money: Match Coins to Cent Values shows how each coin connects to a number of cents.

Learn the idea

A penny is worth 1 cent, a nickel is worth 5 cents, a dime is worth 10 cents, and a quarter is worth 25 cents. Money: Count a Small Coin Group helps students put those values together in a small set.

Try it

Put a few coins on the table and ask the student to name each coin, say its value, and count the total in cents. Start with one coin of each kind, then mix two or three coins together.

Parent guide

Keep the money work real and hands-on. Use actual coins or clear pictures of coins, and have the child say both the coin name and the value. If they confuse nickel and dime, compare the numbers 5 and 10 slowly and repeat the count.