This activity supports Lower Key Stage 2 Maths objectives by developing children’s ability to estimate, count, and reason with money. It also links to PSHE by helping them think about the value of money and how small amounts can add up.
What you’ll need 🪙
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A handful of mixed coins.
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A small container, cup, or jar to hold them.
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Paper and pencil for jotting down guesses and totals.
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Optional: a timer ⏱️ for a fun challenge mode.
What to do 💰
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Prepare your coins. Place a small handful of coins in a jar or cup - mix up the values to make it interesting.
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Make a guess. Ask your child to estimate how much money they think is inside without counting. Encourage them to look carefully at the mix of coins - are there more big coins or small ones?
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Count it out. Empty the coins and help your child count the total value. They can group by coin type first (all 10p together, all £1 together) then add up each group.
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Compare and record. Write down the estimated amount and the real amount. Talk about how close the estimate was - and what clues helped them guess.
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Make it a game. Take turns guessing! Play a few rounds with different numbers or types of coins. You could even make a leaderboard of who gets closest each time.
Questions to ask your child 💬
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“What made you guess that amount?”
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“Were there more small or large value coins?”
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“How could you make a better guess next time?”
What your child will learn 🎓
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To make and check estimates based on visual information.
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To count and add different coin values accurately.
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To compare amounts of money and think logically about value.