This activity supports EYFS and Key Stage 1 Maths objectives by helping children recognise and use coins in practical situations, count amounts, and compare values. It also supports PSHE learning outcomes by introducing the idea that money is used to buy things we need or want and that we can make choices about how to spend it.
What you’ll need 🪙
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A few household items to “sell” - toys, fruit, books, or anything around the house.
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A small handful of mixed coins (£2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p).
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Small bits of paper or sticky notes to make price labels.
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A bag or purse for your child to keep their “money” in.
What to do 🏪
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Set up your shop. Choose a table or corner and help your child arrange their shop items neatly. Write prices on bits of paper (10p, 20p, £1). Keep it easy to add up.
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Decide who’s who. Take turns being the shopkeeper and the customer.
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Start shopping! Encourage your child to pick an item, check the price, and pay using the right coins. Help them count and talk about what each coin is worth.
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Swap roles. Once they’ve had a few goes, swap so your child can run the shop. They’ll practise giving change and recognising the right coins.
Questions to ask your child 💬
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“How much does that cost?”
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“Can you find smaller coins that make the same amount as £1?”
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“If you buy the apple for 20p and book for 10p, how much do you need altogether?”
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“What could you buy if you only had £1?”
What your child will learn 🎓
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To recognise coins and understand that different coins have different values.
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To add small amounts of money and count out change.
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To make choices about what to buy and practise polite conversation (“please,” “thank you,” “here’s your change”).
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To see that money is used for buying things in everyday life.