Understanding the value of money

Updated Aug 25, 2022

Students play a chanting game to learn how different combinations of money can have the same value.

Big idea

Different combinations of money can have the same value.

Essential questions

Why is it helpful to know that different combinations of money can have the same value?
What are some combinations of money that have the same value?

Objectives

Practice step counting to learn the value of some combinations of money
Understand that different combinations of money can have the same value

What students will do

Explore how different combinations of money can have the same value.
Play a chanting game to learn the number of quarters in a $1 bill (grades K-1) or the number of $20 bills in a $100 bill (grades 2-3).

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Teacher guide

cfpb_building_block_activities_understanding-value-money_guide.pdf

Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.

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Key information for this activity

Building block

(What are the building blocks?)

Financial knowledge and decision-making skills

Topic

Earn (Getting paid), Spend (Buying things)

School subject

Math, Physical education or health

Audience

Grade level: Elementary school (K-1), Elementary school (2-3)

Age range: 5-7, 7-9

Student characteristics: English language learners, Special education, Low income

Activity characteristics

Activity type: Whole class

Teaching strategy: Gamification

Bloom’s Taxonomy level: Understand, Apply

Activity duration: 15-20 minutes

National standards

(What are the national standards? )

Standards: I. Earning income, II. Spending

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