Activities to Teach Kids About Money
Published:
August 30, 2020
Contributor:
Annette Breedlove
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One of my kids’ favorite lessons in math was when they could start counting money. Of course, we started with worksheets and identifying each coin and dollar bill, but it was all the activities to teach kids about money that really got them excited.
Worksheets are great for some subjects, but sometimes more learning comes from the games and “real life” study. My kids learn so much more when we apply what we’re studying to their own life. Something tangible they can relate to.
Counting Money is also one of my favorite lessons to teach for math. Although we used our favorite math curriculum, learning to count money was one of those concepts that need a little hands-on fun. So I started finding new ways to add in activities for teaching my kids how to count money.
Do your kids struggle with counting money? Teach kids about money with some fun hands-on activities.
One of my kids’ favorite ways to learn about money was with this Melissa and Doug play money set. Not only does it look like real money, but the handy wooden case was like their own cash drawer. Here are some ways we taught our kids about money.
- Set up a store with their toys or even food items for them to “purchase” and then count change back to each other. Don’t have a cash register? Use a calculator!
- If they receive money for birthdays or Christmas, have them make their own purchases. They can practice giving the exact change, or enough to cover the total price (and count their change).
- Take them to a yard/garage sale to spend their money. It can help teach budgeting, counting money, and more.
- Before you set up a savings account for them, show them how saving money can add up over time by using a clear jar. They can toss their extra coins in there, birthday or Christmas money, allowance, whatever they earn, etc.
- Teach them delayed gratification, by encouraging them to save for a “big-ticket item” rather than a bunch of small items.
- Play Monopoly and have kids take turns being the banker.
- If you pay an allowance or for chores, you can help your kids create a budget or ledger for their spending.
Use these Activities to Teach Kids About Money
Marshmallow Money Bank Lesson | Sweet Frugal Life
The Jelly Bean Game | Pretty Providence
Brilliant Coin Value Recognition and Counting Activity | Teaching Second Grade
The Money Game | Teach Beside Me
Math with Cupcake Liners: Counting Money Game | Life Over C’s
Grocery Task Cards Money Game | 123 Homeschool 4 Me
FREE World Currency Elementary Math Practice
Counting Coins Scavenger Hunt | School Time Snippets
Don’t Break the Bank Money Game {FREE Printable} | Primary Theme Park
Counting Money Busy Bag for Big Kids | Views from a Step Stool
Dollars and Cents: A Printable Money Game for Kids | Look! We’re Learning!
Money Smarts Money Math Game for Kids | Left Brain Craft Brain
Making Change Task Cards | You’ve Got This Math
Money Battleship: Fun Math Game for Kids | School Time Snippets
Money Poems, Money Songs | Teach Mama
How to Count Money Learning Printables for Kids | Look! We’re Learning!
Nickel and Dime Skip Counting Math | The OT Toolbox
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Teaching Cash Register [Frustration Free Packaging]
Playkidz Interactive Toy Cash Register for Kids – Sounds & Early Learning PlayMelissa & Doug Play Money Set – Educational Toy With Paper Bills and Plastic CoinsHasbro Monopoly Junior Board Game, Ages 5 and up (Amazon Exclusive)
![Learning Resources Pretend & Play Teaching Cash Register [Frustration Free Packaging]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5197zC5hugL.jpg)
Preschool and Kindergarten Money Printables
Free Coin Counting Printables | The Art Kit
Discover Money Lapbook | Homeschool Share
Coin Identification Money Maze | The STEM Laboratory
Preschool Coin Sorting Fun | Homeschool Preschool
Free Counting Money Clip Cards for Coins | Life Over C’s
Collecting Coins Game | The Measured Mom
Counting Coins Money Game | Fantastic Fun and Learning
Coin Value Puzzles | 123 Homeschool 4 Me
Coin Sorting: Montessori-Inspired Sensorial Activity | Rhythms of Play
Coin Sorting Tray | Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Don’t miss these FREE Worksheets to Teach your Kids about Money
Find more homeschool resources on my Pinterest boards!
Annette Breedlove
Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.
