Identify coins with this Kindergarten money activity.
Yep! We made a DIY coin bank out of a milk carton. Make no mistake; this Kindergarten money activity is the bomb.
Learning coins and beginning to recognize their worth never looked better – if I do say so myself.
RELATED: I love teaching Kindergarteners! Find our favorite activities for ages 5-7-year-olds here.
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My six-year-old loves projects like this.
He stashes cardboard and rolls of painter’s tape in his room to build the most epic forts.
Other days, I will find him headfirst in the recycle bin. (yes, I know, I know but we’ve made some brilliant crafts from paper rolls)
Combining coins and reusable containers speak to his creative design-minded soul!
I want my Kindergartener to recognize coins and understand what each coin is worth.
I placed the coins on top of the DIY coin bank for a visual as he sorted.
What was most interesting is that as my six-year-old sorted the coins, he double-checked to see if the coins were a match before putting it in the slot. Super clever!
Observing him do this is an excellent reminder of how kids learn! We need to offer risk-free learning invitations such as this to problem-solve and think.
RELATED: Homeschooling your Kindergartener next year? You’ll find these HOMESCHOOLING TIPS practical and helpful.
How do we teach Kindergarteners money?
Teaching money is a lot, like teaching time. Both are abstract concepts that develop over the years. When it clicks, it clicks. Practice and exposure are solid starting points. Hands-on activities will help get us there.
Begin teaching money with these steps:
- Allow your child to sort each coin by value.
- Classify each type of coin by the name.
- Have conversations about the coin chosen. “That is a nickel. It is worth 5 cents.”
- Invite your child to add coins into their DIY coin bank when you have spare loose change.
- Encourage your Kindergartener to keep the DIY coin bank for continued practice and use.
Bonus is that grasping each coin is also strengthening his fingers to help with pencil grip!
Materials and how to make this Kindergarten money activity
We have our share of math toys for kids, but this time, we used recycled materials.
Wash the inside of the milk carton. Make sure the milk carton is completely dry on the inside before making the money activity.
Leave the top off the milk carton so coins can return to the pile.
Use a glue stick to cover the top with white paper. You do not need to cover the entire milk carton if you do not want to.
Use a sharp edge to cut four slots into the side of the DIY coin bank.
Tape down each coin and write the value above each coin slot.
Place a collection of coins to the side and allow your Kindergartener to begin to sort and classify each currency!
Not only is this kindergarten money activity a great way to learn about coins, but it also well-loved!
When will you make a DIY coin bank for your child? Find this activity plus 19 more on our BIG KID activity cards!
