articlesforchristians

Yes, I am aware that the penny has been discontinued. However, I believe that the exercises will still benefit the child in learning to count and do math.

Directions

Gather 100 pennies per child. If need be, substitute another item for the penny

Have children complete the steps below.

Have children practice until they perfectly master each task.

STEP 1 – WHAT IS A PENNY?

Children identify the penny. This is a good time to explain that the penny was available in the US for many years. However, it has since been discontinued.

• Direct the children to examine the front and back of a penny. Ask the children to verbally describe what they see.
• Have children hold up a penny and recite, ‘1 penny is worth 1 cent.’

STEP 2 – COMBINE AND SEPARATE

Children combine and separate pennies.

• Ask children to group 5 pennies together.
• Have children group 10 pennies together.
• Ask children to divide the 10 pennies into 2 groups of 5.
• Have children group 25 pennies together.
• Ask children to divide the 25 pennies into 5 groups of 5.
• Have children group 100 pennies together.
• Ask children to divide the 100 pennies into 10 groups of 10.
• Ask children to divide the 100 pennies into 4 groups of 25.
• Have children divide the 100 pennies into 5 groups of 20.
• Ask children, ‘How many cents is one penny worth?’

STEP 3 – PLAY STORE

Play store with children, where children show the amount of money required to buy pretend items.

• Say to children, ‘You decide to buy a toy boat for 51 cents. Show me how many pennies you must pay the cashier.’
• Say to children, ‘You decide to buy an apple for 76 cents. Show me how many pennies you must pay the cashier.’
• Say to children, ‘You decide to buy a cookie for 33 cents. Show me how many pennies you must pay the cashier.’