If coins are still in your standards, I've got a "catchy" tune to help kids learn their value.
*One day I got a phone call from a mother who said I was making children "capitalists" and "greedy" with my song. I think sometimes adults take a little song too seriously. That being the case you can change the words to "Let's learn some more" instead of singing "I always want more."
Money Song (Tune: “Shortnin’ Bread”)
Chorus: I like money to buy things at the store. (Point to self.)
Money, money, money, (Open and close fists.)
I always want more! (Palms up and shake.)
A penny’s worth one cent. (Hold up 1 finger.)
A nickel’s worth five. (Hold up 5 fingers.)
A dime’s worth ten cents. (Hold up 10 fingers.)
A quarter’s twenty-five. (Open and shut hands for 25.)
Chorus
Lincoln’s on one cent.
Jefferson’s on five.
Roosevelt’s on ten cents.
Washington’s on twenty-five.
Chorus
A building’s on one cent.
A building’s on five.
A torch is on ten cents.
An eagle’s on twenty-five.
Chorus
Here's a video my webmaster made:
http://www.bit.ly/drjeanMoneySong
Note! All things change. Some of the coins minted now have different figures on them than in the song. Use this as a "teachable moment" to talk about the differences.
*For homework have children ask their parents if they know who is on the penny, dime, nickel, and quarter. They will be tickled to know something that their parents don't know!
Change Please
Draw four square on a file folder. Label with “penny,” “nickel,” “dime,” and “quarter.” Give children a coin purse with change and ask them to sort the coins. Can they count the total amount?
Rubbings
Have children do rubbings of coins. Tape coins under a sheet of paper and rub with the side of a crayon. (Roll tape and put it on the back of the coins to keep them from sliding around.) Who do they see? What’s it worth?
*Let children examine coins with a magnifying glass. Encourage them to discuss details. How old is the coin?
Money Tree
*Let children examine coins with a magnifying glass. Encourage them to discuss details. How old is the coin?
Money Tree
Does money really grow on a tree? Where does money come from? Brainstorm how you pay for things when you go to a store? Do your parents use dollar bills, checks, or credit cards? Run off pretend checks for the children to fill in. Let children make play credit cards by cutting 2” x 3 ½” rectangles out of Styrofoam plates.
