Money: Introduction
To develop awareness of money as a measurement of value through role play and real coins.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Mathematics
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Recognises common coins
- Participates in shop role play
- Understands exchange concept
- Selects correct coin for simple price
Materials
- Real coins (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p)
- Role play shop with priced items
- Purses and wallets
- Simple till
Instructions
Set up a simple shop with items priced at 1p, 2p, and 5p. Use real coins — the weight, feel, and appearance of real money is important. Plastic play money lacks these properties.
Model purchasing: 'I want to buy this apple — it costs 2p. I'm going to look for a 2p coin. Here it is — the shiny bronze one with 2 on it! I give it to the shopkeeper and I get the apple.' Narrate the full transaction.
Teach coin recognition: 'This is a 1p — it's the smallest and lightest. This is a 2p — it's bronze and bigger. This is a 5p — it's silver and small. This is a 10p — silver and big.' Handle each one repeatedly.
Practise paying for 1p and 2p items. 'Your apple costs 2p. Can you find a 2p coin? Or you could use two 1p coins — one, two! Two 1p coins are the same as one 2p!'
Don't rush to change and addition — these are far beyond the 3-4 age group. The goal is simply: money exists, it has different values, you exchange it for things. That understanding is mathematically rich at this stage.
Role play different roles: shopkeeper and customer. Both roles develop understanding — the shopkeeper must check the coin received matches the price, the customer must find the right coin.