From: Marielouise (for Teacher2Teacher Service)
Date: Aug 01, 1998 at 15:45:47
Subject: Re: Counting Money

Some children learn to count money long before they come to school.  Their 
parents provide them with the opportunity.  If not, it is never to early to 
try.  Play money can take the place of real money.  I believe that it is 
important for children to understand the equivalence of 5 pennies = 1 nickel 
and all of the other equivalences.

When it comes to actually counting money, start with the piece that stands 
for the most pennies and add lesser values.  This takes place in the lower 
elementary levels when students start doing multiples.  A child will have a 
difficult time knowing how much 3 quarters is!   The child does not study the 
25 times table!   For this the child could make equivalences such as two 
dimes and a nickel or preferably five nickels.   By second grade students 
should be able to count by fives.

You asked what are the steps.  I believe:  first knowing equivalences in 
terms of pennies and secondly doing sums by equivalences in the highest value 
that they know.   This is something that children learn very quickly.  
There is, however, strong motivation since even children like money!

 -Marielouise, for the Teacher2Teacher service

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