Money is a great way to teach young people math concepts like adding, subtracting, multiplying, decimals and then dividing and fractions. Everyone needs to learn how to use money. Children are naturally interested in money so that learning does not seem like work.
The first step is teaching kids what money stands for.
- Rewards: With my kids, we’ll be riding in the car or in the middle of our routine. I will hold up a nickel and say, “What is this?” They answer. Then I say, “How much is it worth?” If they answer correctly, then they can keep the nickel, dime or quarter.
- If the kids find a pile of change somewhere, they might be able to keep it or some of it if they can count it correctly. If this is too frustrating, then they can count it with an adult.
Change game for learning: One can play games by rolling a die and earning pennies. Then as the pennies add up, trade for a nickel or a dime. When players get 10 dimes, they trade for a dollar.
o This is the base for our primary number system (Base 10).
After children learn what money stands for, they can start learning how to write money (decimals) and later move towards learning fractions (one tenth, one quarter of 100 = .25 or a quarter).
Note about online games: There are many free games online for math, like http://www.apples4theteacher.com/java/counting/money.html. However, children learn better when they can actually move coins around and have personal interaction. Online games can be one reward for learning concepts or working for 10 minutes, counting money.
More online game ideas:
- http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/mad_money_flash.html
- http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/Math/math.htm
- http://www.moneyinstructor.com/games.asp
Have fun!
These are excellent ideas. I will use them this Saturday with my typical and autistic children. Great post.
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