How to Count Dimes and Nickels for First Grade Math

If you are home schooling your first grader or just helping them with their homework, there is a simple way to teach your child how to count dimes and nickels. Most children learn the best when they have visual demonstrations or can work with tangible objects--ones they can touch and hold themselves. Find out how you can teach your child how to count with dimes and nickels by using tangible objects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 15 pennies
• 10 nickels
• 10 dimes

1. Gather together 10 pennies, 10 dimes and 10 nickels. Sit down with your child at any table that will give you enough room to work.

2. Before you can begin adding, make sure your child can recognize what a dime equals and what a nickel equals. GIve your child a nickel and ask them how much money that is. If your child already knows, great Then give them some pennies and have them count out 5 pennies and set the pennies next to the nickel. If they didn't know, tell them that each nickel equals 5 cents or 5 pennies. Let them count out 5 pennies and place the pennies next to the nickel. This gives the child a visual, which will help the child remember the fact that each nickel equals 5 cents. Now do the same exercise with the dime. Ask your child first if they know how much a dime equals. When they answer give them 10 pennies and have them place the pennies next to the dime.

3. Make sure that your child can count by 5's and 10's. Have them practice a few times on paper. If they are not familiar with counting by 5's and 10's show them what happens each time the number is increased. For instance when you count by 5's the numbers always end in a 5 or a 0. When you count by 10's the numbers always end in a 0 and only the 10's column increases by 1 digit. Once they can see the pattern on paper, they can then begin to grasp the concept.

4. Show your child that in order to count nickels, you just have to count by 5's. Count out 10 nickels with your child to make sure they understand.

5. Show your child that in order to count out dimes you just have to count by 10's. Count out 10 dimes with your child to make sure they understand.

6. Make sure your child can count from dimes to nickels (switch from one to the other). Always tell your child to start with the highest amount of money, which in this case would be the dimes. Lay out 4 dimes and 3 nickels. Count by 10's until you are finished with the dimes and then show your child how to switch and start counting by 5's. It would go like this: 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55. Do it a few different times with a different amount of dimes and nickels to make sure your child understands.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to explain to your child that even though dimes are smaller than nickels, they are still worth more.
• Don't neglect using real money. The visual aspect is so important in helping your child grasp the concept of counting money.