Money: Coins and Paying

Use real or toy UK coins alongside these labelled classroom models. Invite naming, pointing and spoken explanations.

Big idea

Different coins can make the same amount. Count value, not just coins.

Know

p means pence. Coins have values. A price tells us how much to pay.

Understand

Each coin contributes its value. Changing the coins can leave the total unchanged.

Do

Recognise 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p; make a small amount in two ways; finish a payment and pay exactly.

Key vocabulary

Coin: money with a value. Pence: a unit of money, written p. Value: how much money is worth. Price: how much something costs. Pay: give money for something. Same value: worth the same amount.

Prerequisite knowledge

Count and compare small groups; compose small numbers; use money in play. Model counting pence together if needed.

Misconceptions

More coins do not always mean more money. A larger coin is not always worth more. Include the coins already paid when finding the total.

Progression

From counting and money in play towards First Level equivalence, pounds and pence, and larger exact payments. Here, construction stays within 6p and recognition reaches 10p. Change and decimal money are later learning.

Readiness indicators

The child names coin values, makes equal amounts using different coins, counts total value and compares it with a price. Use the short checks as prompts for observation, not a formal assessment.

Transfer and follow-up

Set up a pretend shop with prices from 1p to 6p. Ask “Can you pay another way?” The local practice revisits recognition, total value, missing payment and enough-to-pay decisions.

Curriculum connection

Early money awareness: recognising coins and using small amounts in familiar play contexts; cardinality, composition and equality of value.