Money and Coins

Money is covered in both the UK and Singapore Maths curricula for ages 5-7. Children learn to recognise all UK coins (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1 pound, 2 pound) and notes, understand their values, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems involving money.

They learn to make amounts in different ways (30p could be three 10p coins or six 5p coins), find totals by adding coin values, and work out change from simple amounts. Real coins are essential at this stage -- children need to handle, sort and count physical money.

The topic connects strongly to place value (10p = ten 1p), addition and subtraction, and introduces the idea of equivalence -- there are many different ways to make the same total.

Understanding money is one of the most practical maths skills a child can develop. Even in an increasingly cashless world, understanding the value of coins and how to make change builds number sense and financial awareness.

Money problems bring maths to life in a way that abstract number work cannot. Children see the purpose of addition and subtraction when they are working out if they can afford something or checking their change.

1. 1

   Give your child a coin collection to sort by value -- let them handle real money regularly.

2. 2

   Play shop: price items around the house and let your child 'buy' them with real coins.

3. 3

   Practise making amounts in different ways: 'Can you make 20p using only 5p coins? What about 2p coins?'

4. 4

   When shopping, let your child hand over the money and check the change.

5. 5

   Use a piggy bank or savings jar to practise counting totals.

6. 6

   Connect to place value: 'Why is a 10p coin worth the same as ten 1p coins?'