How to Count Nickels and Pennies for First Grade Math

Every child is interested in money. The fun part about money is learning how to count it. Once the child knows primarily how to count in "5s," 10s," and so forth, counting will come easily to them. By teaching them a few simple tricks and rules, learning how to count money can be a fun new tool for them to learn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Teach your first grader about how to count in "5's." Show them how to add 5 to each next number. Such as 5, 10, 15, 20.

2. Then show the student how nickels are worth "5" and the pennies are worth "1." Take one nickel and one penny and have them add the sum: 5+1= 6.

3. Explain to the students that the sum of the number of cents are what the pennies and nickels are worth.

4. Take a blank sheet of paper and lay a few nickels and pennies on it. Have the student write down how much each coin is worth, and then add the numbers together. For example, lay down two nickels and a penny. The student would write down "5's" under the nickels and a "1" under the penny. The sum would equal how much change is there.

Tips & Warnings

• Take each step slowly with the student. They may need to repeat a step a few times before getting the hang of it. Have plenty of patience.