Reading for Life Lessons

Minnesota ABE Supplemental Services, Linda Strand, 2004-2005

And the Minnesota Literacy Council

Focus: Making Change (Reading for Life, volume 2, unit 13: Coins and Currency)

Objectives: Learners will be able to count like coins and make change for a dollar using like coins (4 quarters, etc).

Key Vocabulary: worth, value, cent(s), equal

Topics to Review: names of the coins, values of the coins, numbers 1-100

Materials: jar of coins, bills (can use play money).

Procedure:

Real-life application:

            T divides students into larger groups and gives each group a large amount of coins. T reviews amounts of all coins. T tells students to choose a nickel from their pile. T asks: “How many cents is a nickel? How many pennies make a nickel? Move those coins from the pile” Students move 5 pennies out of their pile of coins. T may wish to show equivalencies on the board. Students put coins back in the pile. T asks: “How many cents is a dime? How many pennies are in a dime? How many nickels?” Students choose coins that show equivalencies (1 dime, two nickels, 10 pennies).  Repeat with quarters.

Students practice skip counting by 5s, 10s and 25s up to 100. They can choose coins as they count.

Put students in smaller groups. Call out random numbers of like coins from the pile (3 pennies, 4 quarters, 6 nickels, 7 dimes). They move the coins out, count them and write down the amounts.

Progress to Reading for Life, v.1 competency worksheets: Applicable worksheets: RFL v.2, unit 13

Progress to multiple-choice format activities: Some to be created by MLC – coming soon

Extensions: Some to be created by MLC – coming soon