Coin Values and Counting Coins

Coin Values and Counting Coins

What students learn

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

Why it matters

Money words help students understand what coins are worth before they try to add them. Coin Values: Match Each Coin to Its Value gives a quick second look at the same coins.

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. Coin Values: Count a Small Set of Coins helps students put the values together and say the total aloud.

Try it

Place a penny, a nickel, a dime, and a quarter on the table. Ask the student to name each coin, say its value, and count the total in cents. Then mix two or three coins together and ask them to count again.

Parent guide

Keep the money work concrete. Use real 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 5 and 10 slowly and repeat the count.