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When teaching young children, money can be a challenging concept to master. While we often think of coins as simple objects with values attached, for kids, coin recognition and counting money can be tough to grasp. After all, a dime might look smaller than a nickel, but it’s worth more—that’s a lot for young minds to juggle. Not only that, many kids don't have a change to handle money because many transactions are done with debit and credit cards.  Teaching young kids about money is a crucial skill, but it can also be one of the trickiest concepts to make fun and relatable. You might have found yourself wondering how to keep them engaged while helping them make sense of coins, bills, and word problems. You’re not alone! Many teachers face the same challenge—how to bring real-world money skills into the classroom in a way that clicks. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. With the right mix of hands-on practice and visual support, your students can develop confidence and competence when working with money.  Using Play Money for Coin RecognitionBefore you can dive into counting and word problems, students need to recognize the different coins. Coin recognition isn’t just about identifying the coin’s name; it’s also about understanding the relationship between size, shape, and value. Here are some fun ways to help your students practice coin recognition:
 Why Hands-On Practice Makes a DifferenceStudents often struggle with the abstract concept of money because they don’t always get the chance to physically interact with coins. Holding, sorting, and counting real coins helps students develop a concrete understanding of their value. By physically manipulating the coins, students are more likely to internalize the differences between coins and how their values add up. 💡 Teaching Tip: Set up a “money exploration station” where students can freely sort coins by value or size. Give them a set of real or play coins and let them explore, compare, and organize. This is a great way to build familiarity before diving into counting!  A Money Unit That Provides Lessons For Young ChildrenToday, I’m sharing a money unit with you that can create engaging, effective money lessons that are both easy to prep and meaningful for students. The beauty of this unit is it was created collaboratively with my Grade 3 students. We took time to work together to figure out the different activities and we did lots of practice with counting, sorting, and spending money in various role playing activities. If you've ever taught a money unit, you already know how tricky it can be. Some students instantly “get it” when it comes to identifying coins and counting bills. Others struggle to remember what a dime is worth—let alone how to make change. It’s normal to have a wide range of abilities in your classroom, but that doesn’t make your job any easier. This unit takes a step by step approach and involves lots of hands on practice and real world examples to help kids make sense of what they are learning. It handles the planning piece and makes things low prep for you.  Check out this unit here. For more information on how we used what we learned to create a spring fundraiser, check out this blog post. For more information about how we worked through the unit, check here. Kid Themed Money Word ProblemsAs part of the money unit, several scenarios were created that were kid friendly and helped with learning how to use money in the real world. This resulted in a supplementary resource of kid themed money word problem task cards. You can check it out here.  For more tips and resources for teaching young children how to work with money check out my next blog post. There I will focus on resources for both Canadian and American currency.   Are you looking for ways to teach younger children about Canada? Teaching geography and research skills to younger students can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time.  Grade 3 is a perfect time to introduce children to basic research skills and resources. Learning about the country they live in is a great place to start. Teaching Canadian geography and research skills in Grade 3 is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build foundational knowledge about our country. By combining engaging activities with structured research, kids develop critical thinking, organization, and a deeper appreciation for Canada’s diversity. A Resource To Introduce Kids To Canada's Geography A great way to introduce kids to Canada’s geography is by focusing on the provinces and territories as a whole. My Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle is a perfect resource to begin this journey. These booklets are designed specifically with younger children in mind, using simple language and vivid photographs to make research accessible and enjoyable. They come in a French version as well.
What These Booklets Cover:
Why These Booklets Work
Teaching Basic Research Skills to Grade 3 StudentsWith structured guidance, children in Grade 3 can begin to gather, organize, and present information confidently. Here are some tips to make this process enjoyable and effective: Scaffold Research Tasks
Encourage Collaboration
 Engaging Activities for Exploring Provinces and TerritoriesPractical Strategies for Research Projects
End the unit with a classroom showcase. Invite kids to present their projects to peers or even parents. This celebration not only reinforces learning but also builds confidence in their research abilities. Integrating Subjects
Using resources like the Canada My Country booklets and the Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle allows you to teach geography and research skills in a way that’s engaging and manageable. The use of simple language and vivid photographs ensures that every child can participate and succeed. Children develop a sense of pride in their country and the ability to communicate their findings effectively.
Ready to inspire your kids? Want more Canadian Social Studies resources? Check out these resources to bring Canadian geography to life in your classroom!  Related Posts
Research can be an exciting way for young children to explore the world around them. However, when working with primary students, it's important to provide materials that are simple enough for them to understand while still offering key facts. Whether in a classroom or a homeschool setting, guiding children through research helps them develop important skills like reading for information, organizing their thoughts, and sharing what they’ve learned.  Why Teach Research Skills Early?Even at a young age, children are naturally curious. Teaching them how to find, organize, and share information helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research also encourages independence, as students learn to look for answers on their own instead of always relying on the teacher.  A Simple Research Model for Primary StudentsYoung learners need a structured approach to research. Here’s a step-by-step process that works well: 1. Start With the Big Picture Begin by studying a broad topic together as a class. For example:
 2. Assign Individual or Small Group Topics Once the class understands the big picture, divide the research into smaller topics. Each student or small group can focus on one part, such as:
 3. Organizing Key Details For primary students, research should focus on big ideas rather than overwhelming amounts of detail. A simple research template might include:
 4. Research With Support For younger children, research doesn’t mean handing them a book or a website and expecting them to pull out key facts on their own. Instead: ✅ Use guided reading sessions where you read together and model how to find important details. ✅ Provide kid-friendly research materials with simple text and visuals. ✅ Use group discussions to share findings and build understanding.  5. Let Students Choose How to Present Their Work After students complete their research, they can decide how to share their learning. Having a selection of presentation choices allows them to express what they’ve learned in a way that suits their strengths. Some options include:
 6. Reflecting on Learning Once projects are complete, students can share them with the class, discuss what they found most interesting, and ask questions about each other’s topics. This builds confidence and reinforces learning.  To help young children feel successful with research: ✅ Use structured research pages – Simplify the process with templates that guide them to key facts. ✅ Provide visuals – Maps, pictures, and diagrams make learning more engaging. ✅ Offer a clear expectations sheet – A simple criteria list ensures students understand what to include in their projects. ✅ Encourage creativity – Let students choose how to present their research in a way that interests them.  By introducing research in a step-by-step, supported way, even young children can develop strong research skills while exploring topics in a meaningful and engaging way! Before diving into research about different countries or regions, young children need a solid foundation in understanding and using maps. Just like we start with number sense in math before tackling addition and subtraction, we need to introduce basic mapping skills before expecting kids to navigate world geography. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, here are some fun and effective ways to help children develop map skills.  Why Map Skills MatterMaps do more than show us where places are; they help children develop spatial thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the world around them. Whether in a classroom or a homeschooling environment, giving kids the tools to interpret maps early on will set them up for success in their geography studies.  Making Map Skills Engaging for Young ChildrenStart with Familiar Places Begin by looking at maps of places children know well—like their home, neighborhood, or school. You can use simple hand-drawn maps, printed maps, or even an interactive digital map to show locations they recognize. Ask questions like, “Where do we go to get groceries?” or “Can you find our street on this map?”  Use a Compass Rose and Directions Teach kids about the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) using simple activities. One fun way is to stand outside and figure out which way the sun rises (East) and sets (West). You can also create a treasure hunt where they have to follow directional clues to find a hidden object.  Introduce Symbols and Legends Maps are full of symbols that represent real-world objects. Show children a basic map key and explain how different icons stand for things like roads, mountains, rivers, or buildings. Let them create their own mini-maps of a familiar place, using symbols to mark important spots.  Play with Puzzles and Games Map puzzles and geography board games are great ways to reinforce spatial awareness. Simple jigsaw puzzles of continents, countries, or states help kids see how places fit together. Online games or printable worksheets with map-related challenges can also make learning interactive.  Create Personal Maps Encourage kids to draw their own maps of a room, their house, or a local park. This helps them think critically about how things are positioned relative to one another. For an added challenge, have them include a compass rose, a legend, and labels.  Explore Different Types of Maps Show children that not all maps look the same. Some maps focus on physical features like mountains and rivers, while others highlight roads, weather patterns, or population. Look at a globe together to show how the Earth is represented in 3D.  Applying Map Skills to ResearchOnce children have a strong foundation in reading and interpreting maps, they will be better equipped to research and understand different countries. They’ll be able to pinpoint locations, analyze how geography affects climate and culture, and make connections between places.  By taking the time to build these fundamental skills first, we make geography learning more meaningful and enjoyable. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or at home, these activities will help young children gain confidence in exploring the world—one map at a time! Have you ever watched The Amazing Race? Teams from all over the world race to different places, follow maps, solve clues, and try to be the first to find their next destination. It’s exciting, full of surprises, and so much fun! But here’s an idea: What if you could make your classroom or home learning feel just like The Amazing Race with no passports required! One of the coolest lessons I ever did was turning the school yard into an geocaching adventure. I handed the kids a "mystery map" of the area, full of clues and challenges. They had to measure distances, follow directions, and solve riddles to find a hidden geocache. You’d think I’d given them a real-life treasure! It was so much fun, and the kids couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.  Spring is the perfect time to take geography lessons outdoors. The weather is warming up, and nature is full of new surprises, just waiting to be explored. Kids are full of energy and need to keep moving. Imagine turning your lessons into a fun-filled scavenger hunt or treasure map challenge. Whether you’re learning at school or at home, mapping can make geography fun and interactive! Here are some ideas or possible lessons to try.  1. Create a Mystery Scavenger Hunt 🗺️ How cool would it be if you had a mystery scavenger hunt of your classroom or home? Here’s how it works: You can hand kids a clue that leads them around the room (or house) to a specific location. But, the catch is—there are more clues to solve along the way! They’ll need to measure distances, figure out directions, and solve riddles to find a hidden surprise or treasure. They’ll feel like real-life adventurers as they figure out each clue. It’s a great way to practice following directions while having fun! Here's a template that might be helpful when planning your scavenger hunt clues.  2. Make a Treasure Map of Your Backyard or Garden 🌻 Who says you need to travel far to have a fun adventure? You can map out your backyard or garden or a nearby park and create a treasure hunt. Start by drawing a map of the outdoor space, adding landmarks like trees, flowers, or fences. Then, give clues to find a hidden “X” that marks the spot. Kids will need to follow the directions carefully—measuring distances, following coordinates, and using symbols to help them along the way. The best part? The treasure could be anything from a shiny stone to a favorite toy or treat!  3. Go on a Neighborhood Mapping Adventure 🏙️ Ready for a bigger challenge? Grab a notebook and head outside for a neighborhood mapping adventure. You can make a scavenger hunt by giving clues that lead to places around your neighborhood. For example: “Walk 10 steps to the mailbox, then turn left to find the red house. From there, walk 5 steps to the big tree!” It’s a fun way to practice using maps, measuring distances, and understanding directions—plus, you get to explore the world around you!  4. Use Coordinates for a Scavenger Hunt 📍 You don’t need to go far to create an awesome learning adventure! You can use coordinates to hide clues around your house, classroom, or garden. If you make a big grid (like on graph paper), you can give kids coordinates to find hidden objects. For example, “Go to A3 to find the first clue, then go to C5 for the next!” It’s like going on a treasure hunt with a map of your own making! If you are looking for more ways to practice using coordinates and grids, check out this resource.  5. Map Your Favorite Outdoor Spot 🌳 Give kids a blank sheet of paper and ask them to map out their favorite outdoor spot. It could be their backyard, a local park, or even a place they dream of visiting one day! Encourage them to add important details like where the swings are, where the tallest tree is, or where they like to sit and read. Once the map is complete, they can add a fun challenge: hide an “X” on the map and see if someone else can find the hidden treasure!  These are just a few of the fun, creative ways you can bring maps into your learning! Whether you're inside or outside, maps can turn ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures. You can measure, explore, solve clues, and discover new places—all while learning valuable skills.  Maps don’t just have to be about geography—they’re also about exploring, solving problems, and going on adventures. Plus, being outside and on the move can help kids stay active and engaged while they’re learning. The adventure never stops when you make learning feel like a race around the world! So, let’s grab our maps, follow the clues, and see where our learning adventure takes us! Happy adventuring! Related Posts
Spring is like a burst of energy. Do you remember that moment in The Sound of Music when Maria began to twirl around in the open field , basking in the fresh air and singing? For kids, that's exactly how spring feels. The world suddenly comes alive, with flowers blooming, birds singing, and a whole new sense of excitement. It’s almost impossible to keep them focused indoors when everything outside is calling their name. But what if we could bring that fresh, spring energy into our teaching? Spring is the perfect opportunity to mix things up and engage kids in new and exciting ways. It’s a season of rebirth and growth, so why not channel that into your lessons?  Why Spring Makes Learning So SpecialSpring is like a big, colorful adventure waiting to happen. The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and there are so many things to discover. From tiny bugs to new flowers, the world outside is buzzing with new life—and it can be a lot of fun to bring those things into your lessons. When the weather is nice, it’s like your brain gets a fresh start, just like the flowers. Whether you’re at home or in school, you can make the most of the season by turning your lessons into springtime fun! Let’s look at how we can turn every lesson into a spring-themed adventure!  Math With a Spring Twist🌸
 Creative Writing About Spring Adventures 🐦
 Science: Be a Spring Detective! 🔍
 Reading Outdoors 🌞
 Art with Nature 🌻
 Spring is the perfect time to try new things and be inspired by everything growing around us. Whether it’s Spring Break, Earth Day, or just a warm afternoon perfect for a quick outdoor activity, there are so many ways to make learning feel exciting again! Whether you're measuring plants in math, writing stories about animals, or reading outside under the sun, there’s a world of fun waiting to be explored. With all the new life and energy around you, spring is the perfect season to get excited about learning. Here’s a fun question to ask yourself: If you could spend an entire day outside learning about anything, what would it be? You might be surprised by all the cool ideas you come up with!  Let's get ready to jump into spring and make learning as fresh and exciting as the season itself! Related Posts Imagine measuring a room with a child’s shoe and an adult’s shoe. You’d end up with two very different results for the same space! This fun and simple activity is a great way to introduce kids to the importance of standard measurement. But length isn’t the only thing we measure in our daily lives. From mass to temperature, measurements play a vital role in helping us make sense of the world. In this post, we’ll explore:
 Non-Standard vs. Standard MeasurementWhen children first begin learning about measurement, they often start with non-standard units—items like crayons, blocks, or even shoes. These are tangible, relatable, and help kids develop an understanding of size and comparison. However, non-standard units can create confusion when results need to be shared or compared. For example:
 Activity: Measuring with ShoesThis engaging activity introduces the need for standard units while keeping learning fun. What You’ll Need:
 Types of Measurement in Real LifeMeasurement goes far beyond length. Here are some key types of measurement kids will encounter: Mass(Weight):
Volume:
Temperature:
Area and Perimeter:
Length:
By introducing these types of measurement early, kids can see how math connects to their daily lives.  Take your measurement lessons to the next level with Measurement Activities And Measurement Games Metric And Customary Units Tallies This resource includes:
 From cooking dinner to building furniture, measurement is everywhere. By starting with relatable, hands-on activities like measuring with shoes and introducing standard units, we can give kids the tools they need to navigate the world confidently.  Next time you’re measuring something, try using shoes to spark a conversation about non-standard and standard units. Then, connect the dots by exploring other types of measurement in real life. Your kids will love learning how math fits into their world! Related Posts
Once kids have mastered the basics of non-standard measurement, they’re ready to take the next step: learning to measure with standard units like centimeters, inches, grams, and liters. This progression helps children make sense of the world around them and prepares them for real-life tasks like baking, building, or measuring for art projects. In this post, we’ll explore how to transition from non-standard to standard measurement, share practical tips and activities, and highlight a resource that makes teaching standard measurement easy and fun.  Why Standard Measurement?Standard measurement introduces children to tools and units that allow for consistent and accurate measurements. It’s a critical skill that they’ll use throughout their education and daily life. Learning standard units helps children:
 How to Transition from Non-Standard to Standard UnitsStart Small:
Explore Metric and Customary Units:
Real Life Applications:
 For an easy introduction to teaching both non-standard and standard measurement, check out My Measurement Booklet. This booklet:
 Engaging Activities for Standard MeasurementGuesss and Measure:
Measure and Compare:
 Teaching standard measurement equips children with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. By giving them opportunities to explore and apply these concepts, you’re helping them build confidence in math, science, and everyday problem-solving.  Making the leap from non-standard to standard measurement doesn’t have to be intimidating. With engaging activities, the right tools, and plenty of hands-on practice, kids can master this essential skill while having fun along the way. Explore the resources linked here to find even more ways to make measurement meaningful and exciting! Related Posts Have you ever watched a child measure their table with toy cars or figure out the length of a room using footsteps? These moments of discovery are at the heart of non-standard measurement—a perfect way to introduce kids to the world of measuring in a way that's playful and relatable. Non-standard measurement provides young learners with a hands-on approach that builds their confidence before they’re ready to tackle rulers, scales, and standard units. In this post, we’ll explore the value of non-standard measurement, share fun activities you can try at home or in the classroom, and highlight resources that make learning measurement engaging for kids.  Why Non-Standard Measurement?For young children, non-standard measurement is an essential first step in understanding the concept of size, length, height, and volume. Using familiar items like blocks, paperclips, or spoons allows children to focus on the process of measuring without worrying about numbers and formal units. Non-standard measurement:
 Fun Non-Standard Measurement Activities to TryMeasure with What’s Around You:
The Tallest Tower Game:
Relay Race Measurement:
 Check out Non-Standard Measurement Activities and Games: Team Events This resource includes engaging team-based games that make measurement a collaborative and exciting experience. They are perfect for family game nights, classroom centers, or group activities. They encourage children to think creatively while practicing essential math skills.  Non-standard measurement is much more than a stepping stone to standard units—it helps children develop the foundational skills they’ll use throughout their lives. By starting with fun, hands-on activities, you’re building their confidence and setting the stage for deeper learning in math and science. Get a free copy of this measuring activity for extra practice with non-standard measurement.   Next time you’re at home or in the classroom, grab some everyday objects and start measuring. You’ll be amazed at how much kids can learn when math becomes a game. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a structured lesson, non-standard measurement activities bring fun and education together seamlessly. Related Posts
Science is all about discovery, and there’s no better way to introduce primary-aged children to physics and chemistry than with hands-on experiments! These activities will not only teach them important scientific concepts but also ignite their curiosity about the forces and reactions that shape our world. From gravity to chemical reactions, the possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring science in fun, engaging ways.  Exploring Forces and Reactions with Fun Physics and Chemistry ExperimentsHere are some simple experiments that demonstrate basic principles of physics and chemistry. Perfect for both classroom teachers and homeschoolers, these activities will help kids learn the scientific method while exploring the exciting world of forces and reactions.  Experiment Highlight: Balloon Rocket – Exploring Forces and MotionAsk A Question: What happens to a balloon when it is blown up but not tied up? Make A Hypothesis: I think .... Materials Needed:
Ask kids to describe what happens when the balloon deflates. What makes the balloon move? Can they observe how the force of air pushing out of the balloon propels it forward? This is a great introduction to the concept of action and reaction—in this case, the force of the air being pushed out of the balloon creates an equal and opposite reaction, pushing the balloon along the string. Conclusion: This simple experiment demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It’s a fun and visual way to see how forces work and how they affect motion.  Experiment Highlight: The Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction – Chemistry in ActionAsk A Question: What will happen if we combine baking soda and vinegar? Make A Hypothesis: I think .... Materials Needed:
Ask children to observe and describe the fizzing reaction. What do they think is causing the bubbles? Is there a change in temperature? They can record their observations on an observation chart or in a science journal. Conclusion: This experiment is a fantastic example of a chemical reaction—when an acid (vinegar) reacts with a base (baking soda), it creates carbon dioxide gas, which is responsible for the bubbles. This simple reaction is a great way to talk about how substances can change when combined and how new substances can be formed in the process.  Encourage Exploration: Extensions and Variations
 Experiment Highlight: How Friction Affects MovementAsk A Question: How does the type of surface affect how far a toy car travels? Make A Hypothesis: I think .... Materials Needed:
Ask children to describe what happens when they let the car travel across the different surfaces. Make a table or graph to show the distance results. Conclusion: Discuss which surfaces created the most friction and how this affected the car's motion. This experiment demonstrates how friction can impact the movement of things. Ready to try more fun experiments? Download my Experiment Planning Templates sampler and plan more exciting activities you can try with your students at home or in the classroom!  Fun With Forces And ReactionsExploring forces and chemical reactions with young learners is a fantastic way to spark their interest in science. Whether it’s watching a balloon rocket zoom across the room or observing a bubbling reaction, these experiments give children a chance to see science in action and understand the principles behind everyday phenomena. By incorporating experiments like these into your lessons, you’ll help kids connect abstract concepts to real-world experiences. They’ll begin to understand how the world works through the lens of observation, curiosity, and experimentation.  Thank you for joining me on this journey through the wonderful world of science! I hope these blog posts have provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for engaging young learners with the scientific method, life cycles, and hands-on experiments. Whether you're in the classroom or homeschooling, science can be fun and rewarding for children at any age. Keep exploring, experimenting, and sparking curiosity!
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About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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