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Summer often brings thoughts of vacations, camps, and long days outdoors. While some families have exciting trips planned, many children will spend much of their summer closer to home. No matter what summer looks like, it can provide wonderful learning opportunities. One area that often gets overlooked is money management. Summer gives children a chance to earn, save, spend, and plan in ways that feel meaningful because the experiences are real.  Learning About EarningChildren are naturally curious about money. They often ask where money comes from, how much things cost, and why adults make certain spending decisions. One summer, my grandchildren had an opportunity to earn money while helping the family. When their great-grandmother moved into a care home, there was no longer a need for the gardener who had been caring for her yard. Instead, I hired my grandchildren to help with the work and paid them from the money that had previously gone toward the gardening service. The older two took responsibility for mowing the lawn and trimming around the edges. The younger two had the important job of watering the flowers and shrubs. Admittedly, they often ended up watering themselves almost as much as the plants, but they took their responsibilities seriously and had a great time doing it. Each child was paid according to the type of work they were doing and their age. They were always excited to come over, complete their jobs, and receive their earnings. More importantly, they began to understand that money is earned through effort and responsibility. They were proud of their work and enjoyed seeing the results of their efforts in the yard. Experiences like this help children see that earning money is about more than receiving cash. It teaches responsibility, builds confidence, and helps them understand the value of the work behind every dollar they earn.  Saving For A GoalOne of the most valuable lessons children can learn is that saving takes patience. How many times have you driven through your neighborhood and seen children running a lemonade stand on a warm summer day? Or stopped at a garage sale and noticed a table set up with children's toys, books, or games for sale? These simple ventures have been part of childhood for generations. For many children, the goal isn't simply earning money. They may be saving for a special toy, a new bike, a video game, summer camp spending money, or another item they have been hoping to purchase. Having a goal gives children a reason to keep working, saving, and making thoughtful decisions about how they spend their money. Whether children are helping with yard work, running a lemonade stand, or selling outgrown toys at a garage sale, earning their own money often makes saving for a goal much more meaningful. When children can see themselves getting closer to something they really want, they begin to understand that saving requires patience and planning. They also experience the satisfaction of reaching a goal through their own efforts.  Becoming Young EntrepreneursMany children love creating things, and summer can provide opportunities to turn those interests into small business experiences. Over the years, I watched this happen in my own Grade 3 classroom. One year, my students wanted to raise money for a special field trip. Together, we brainstormed ideas and created a variety of items to sell. The children quickly discovered that there was much more involved than simply collecting money. They needed to decide what to make, estimate costs, determine prices, advertise their products, and keep track of the money that came in. They learned how to count change, calculate profits, and make decisions as a group. The fundraiser became much more than a way to earn money for our trip. It became a real-world learning experience. The students were highly motivated because they had a meaningful goal. Every item they created and every sale they made brought them one step closer to the field trip they were hoping to take. Summer offers similar opportunities for children. They might create friendship bracelets, painted rocks, bookmarks, greeting cards, baked goods with adult help, or products from a family garden. Even a small project can introduce important concepts such as budgeting, pricing, advertising, customer service, and problem-solving. Children quickly discover that running a business involves much more than simply earning money. They learn planning, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance along the way.  Everyday Money LessonsNot every money lesson needs to involve earning money. Family activities can provide valuable opportunities to practice money skills:
 Bringing Money Lessons Into The ClassroomThe money skills children practice during the summer connect directly to many classroom learning goals. Whether they are earning money through chores, saving for a special purchase, or operating a small business venture, they are developing financial literacy skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The fundraiser my Grade 3 students organized remains one of my favorite examples of meaningful learning. If you'd like to read more about that experience, be sure to visit my blog post about our spring fundraiser. It shares more details about the planning, teamwork, and learning that took place throughout the project. That experience was one of the reasons I enjoyed teaching money concepts through hands-on activities. When children have a purpose for using money skills, the learning becomes much more meaningful. If you're looking for ways to help students build money skills in the classroom, my Money Lessons unit provides hands-on opportunities for students to practice counting money, making change, solving real-world money problems, and developing financial literacy concepts. These activities help children connect classroom learning with the kinds of real-life experiences they may encounter during the summer.  Learning Beyond The DollarsThe biggest lessons children learn through money activities often have very little to do with money itself.
 Whether children are helping in the garden, running a lemonade stand, selling handmade creations, or saving toward a special goal, summer offers countless opportunities to learn valuable money skills. The lessons they learn about responsibility, planning, perseverance, and financial literacy can last long after summer is over. The amount of money earned may be small, but the life lessons can be priceless.   Related Posts Are you excited about having your kids home for the summer, or are you already feeling a little stressed about how you’re going to manage childcare while still working? For many families, the answer is both. Children are often counting down the days until school is out. They’re looking forward to sleeping in, playing outside, seeing friends, going on trips, heading to camps, and enjoying a break from assignments and routines. Summer can feel full of possibility and adventure.  For many families, there are vacations, camping trips, visits to new places, and planned activities that help fill the weeks of summer break, but that isn’t every family’s reality. But for some parents, summer doesn’t come with extra time off work. While children have weeks away from school, parents still have jobs to go to and responsibilities that continue year-round. Summer camps, daycare programs, and special activities can help fill the gap, but they can also be expensive. Even when families can plan a few outings or register for some programs, it rarely covers the entire summer break, so families do what they have always done: they find ways to make it work. Some parents piece together their vacation days. Some rely on grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, close friends, or neighbours. Others look for community programs, library events, or low-cost recreational activities to help bridge the weeks. And often, it takes a combination of all of these.  I remember being surprised years ago when I was tutoring students and asked them what they did during the summer. More than once, I heard a simple answer: “Nothing.” At first, I thought they must have misunderstood the question. But as we talked more, I realized they meant they hadn’t gone on big trips, attended camps, or done anything they felt was worth talking about when school started again. Their parents were working. Their days were spent at home, in childcare, or with family members doing their best to keep things running smoothly. That stayed with me. It made me think about how many children might return to school feeling they have nothing to share when they’re asked about their summer break.  The truth is, children are always having experiences. But sometimes they don’t recognize them as something “special” unless we help them see it that way. A walk on the beach, time at a local park, a visit to the library, a simple picnic, a baking afternoon, a scavenger hunt, or exploring outdoors can easily become the kinds of memories children carry with them for years.  That’s where something simple like a summer journal can make a difference. Children can draw pictures, write a few sentences, collect small items, or record what they discover along the way. Suddenly, everyday moments become something they can look back on and share. If you’d like a simple way to get started, I’ve put together a free summer journal template that children can use to record their experiences. It can be as structured or as open-ended as you want. Some days might just include a drawing, while others might turn into a full page of memories, sketches, or short reflections. The goal isn’t perfection or completing every page. It’s simply giving children a place to capture the small, ordinary moments that often turn into the memories they talk about long after summer is over.  My own family experienced this same summer challenge. My son and daughter-in-law both work during the summer months, and like many families, they had to figure out how to manage childcare once school ended. Their usual after-school care wasn’t available, and while they were able to plan a few camps, outings, and vacation time, it still left many weeks to cover. That’s when family stepped in. I would spend a week or two with the grandchildren, and their other grandmother would do the same. Between camps, family help, and a bit of planning, the summer came together in a way that worked for everyone. What I noticed most during those weeks was that the children didn’t need elaborate plans or expensive outings. They were happiest when they were simply doing things with people who were present and engaged with them. We would use the time for beach days, geocaching, baking, scavenger hunts, library visits, nature walks, etc. These simple days often turned into the most memorable ones.  For families trying to piece together summer care, this can be encouraging. Meaningful summer experiences don’t have to come from expensive programs or packed schedules. Local libraries, parks and recreation programs, community events, playgrounds, beaches, and simple neighbourhood activities can offer a surprising amount of variety. And when family members or trusted caregivers are involved, even everyday activities can become something children look forward to. In the end, summer isn’t measured by how far you travel or how many activities you attend. For children, it’s often measured by the time they spend with people who care about them, the small adventures they go on, and the memories they carry back into the school year.  Have you ever wondered where the name Diamond Mom's Treasury came from? Many people assume it has something to do with being a mom or grandmother, but the truth is that my online name came from my geocaching days. Years ago, geocaching was one of my favorite hobbies. I loved heading outdoors with a GPS, following coordinates, and searching for hidden treasures tucked away in parks, forests, and unexpected places. Every find felt like a little adventure. After an injury, however, I wasn't able to do the same climbing, scrambling, and searching that I once enjoyed. For a while, I thought my geocaching days were mostly behind me.  Then my grandchildren came along. Now, when we go geocaching together, they do much of the searching while I help guide them. I may not be the one peeking under logs or reaching into hiding spots anymore, but I still enjoy the excitement of the hunt. In many ways, geocaching has become even more rewarding because it gives us a chance to explore, learn, and make memories together.  One of my favorite geocaching memories happened when we were searching near a river while camping. Everyone had a different theory about where the cache might be hidden. The children searched tree roots, rocks, and nearby trails while the adults studied the clues. When someone finally spotted the cache, the excitement spread through the whole group. It wasn't just about finding the container. It was the teamwork, problem-solving, and shared celebration that made the experience memorable.  A Great Activity For EveryoneAs summer approaches, many families look for activities that are fun, affordable, and engaging for children. Geocaching checks all of those boxes. Whether children are spending time with parents, grandparents, or other caregivers, it can be a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon. Geocaching is one of those rare activities that works well for all ages.
Why Kids Love GeocachingFor children, geocaching feels like a treasure hunt. Instead of simply going for a walk, they have a mission. They search for clues, solve problems, and experience the excitement of discovering something hidden. The adventure keeps them moving, exploring, and paying attention to the world around them. Best of all, adults and children can work together as a team. One of the things children love about geocaching is the element of surprise. Sometimes you're looking for a tiny container hidden in plain sight. Other times you stumble across something completely unexpected, like this oversized cache we discovered during one of our adventures.
Hidden Learning OpportunitiesAs a teacher, I always appreciated activities that made learning feel natural rather than forced. Geocaching is one of those activities. Children practice:
 Bringing Geocaching Into The ClassroomMy interest in geocaching eventually found its way into my teaching. One year, I organized a geocaching adventure for staff members to show how the activity could be used to teach coordinates and mapping skills in an engaging way. I also created a scavenger hunt that required them to follow directional clues before discovering a hidden cache of teacher supplies. They had a blast! Following our study on mapping skills, I introduced my class to activities that involved locating items in the nearby area. I also shared geocaching stories and adventures with them. We even created a simple class geocache in a nearby forested area. The excitement of using real-world mapping skills gave purpose to lessons that might otherwise have felt abstract. When children can apply their learning in meaningful ways, concepts tend to stick. Here is the Mapping Skills bundle I used to introduce reading maps and grids.  If you've never tried geocaching before, getting started is easier than you might think. Begin with beginner-friendly caches in local parks or public spaces. Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of adventure. Many geocaches include a logbook where visitors can record their find. You may be surprised at how many hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered right in your own community. More Than Finding A CacheWhen I think about geocaching now, I realize that the hidden container isn't really the treasure. The treasure is spending time together. It's the conversations along the trail, the teamwork involved in solving a problem, and the excitement on a child's face when they spot something everyone else missed. Years ago, geocaching was a hobby I enjoyed on my own. Today, it has become a way to connect generations, encourage learning, and create lasting summer memories. And that's a treasure worth finding.  Years ago, geocaching was a hobby I enjoyed on my own. Today, it has become a way to connect generations, encourage learning, and create lasting summer memories. And that's a treasure worth finding. "Diamondmom" was simply my geocaching name. I never imagined that years later it would become the name of my teaching store and blog. Looking back, it seems fitting. Geocaching has always been about discovering treasures. These days, the treasures I value most aren't hidden in containers. They're the moments spent exploring, learning, and making memories with my family and the kids I work with.  Related Posts The end of the school year always seems to arrive all at once. One minute we're settling into spring routines, and the next we're juggling field trips, assemblies, sports days, classroom clean-up, and kids counting down the days until summer vacation. Somewhere in the middle of all that busyness, I always tried to make room for activities that helped children slow down a little and think about the people who care for them and help them every day.  What I noticed over the years was that kids genuinely love making things for other people. Even children who sometimes rushed through writing activities suddenly became very careful when they were creating something for a mom, dad, grandparent, caregiver, or another important person in their life. They wanted their cards folded neatly, their coloring to look just right, and their messages to feel meaningful. And some of the best classroom conversations came out of those moments. “I didn’t know my aunt used to help in a classroom too.” “My dad always makes my lunch, even when he’s tired.” “My grandma helps me read harder books.” Those little comments always reminded me that these activities were never just “end-of-year crafts.” They were ways for children to recognize the care and support that surrounds them.  Making Mother’s Day Activities PersonalMother’s Day activities were always a time when children had so much they wanted to share. Some wrote heartfelt messages, while others went straight for the humor with coupon books. There were always coupons like:
What I appreciated most was how flexible these activities could be. Not every child was creating something for a mother. Some made gifts for grandmothers, stepmothers, foster parents, older siblings, aunts, or other important caregivers. That flexibility mattered. Even though Mother’s Day has already passed for this year, these are the kinds of low-prep resources that are really helpful to have on hand ahead of time so next year doesn’t feel rushed. Some resources that support these activities include:
Father’s Day Activities That Feel Real to Kids Father’s Day activities often lead to very genuine conversations in the classroom. Kids talk about fishing trips, fixing bikes, playing games, building things, or simply spending time together. Some children write about dads, while others create cards for grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, older siblings, or other important adults. What stands out most is how personal the writing becomes when children reflect on real experiences. This resource fits well for that kind of writing and creativity:
Teaching Kids to Notice the Helpers Around ThemOne of my favorite end-of-year traditions was focusing on gratitude for the people who help our school run every day. Children often don’t notice how many people support them until they stop and think about it. Custodians, office staff, librarians, educational assistants, volunteers, bus drivers, and crossing guards all play such an important role in their daily lives. One year, my class made Thank You placemats for a volunteer tea. The children worked so carefully decorating them and adding drawings and messages. They were so excited knowing the volunteers would actually use them during the event. We also made Thank You For Your Helping Hands cards for the volunteers to take home afterward. The kids loved handing them out and seeing the reactions. It turned into one of those simple activities that felt really meaningful without needing much preparation. These kinds of activities give children a real purpose for their writing and help them see how their words can impact others. Here are the placemats and cards we used:
A Simple Free Resource to TryIf you’re looking for something simple to try with your children, I have a free sample of Thank You Helping Hands. It’s an easy way to introduce a gratitude activity during these busy final weeks of school or to save for another time in the year when you want something low-prep but meaningful.  These kinds of activities don’t take much time, but they often become the moments children remember. Whether it’s a Mother’s Day card, a Father’s Day poster, or a simple thank-you note, kids have a way of putting real thought into something when they know it’s going to someone who matters to them. And for teachers, it helps to have a few of these ready to go, especially knowing how quickly the end of the year fills up.  Here are some templates for coupons and acrostics that can be used for other occasions, as well as for the school year. Hang in there. Summer break is almost here.  Related Posts As the school year starts winding down, keeping kids focused can become a challenge. The weather gets warmer, routines start to feel tired, and summer vacation is suddenly close enough that everyone can almost taste it. Even teachers sometimes need a little extra motivation during those final weeks.  One thing that worked very well in my classroom was giving kids something special to work toward together. It helped keep everyone focused, encouraged teamwork, and gave us something positive to look forward to as we finished the year strong. The key was that these activities were not just random “reward days.” They were experiences we earned together by staying on task, completing assignments, helping one another, and keeping our classroom routines running smoothly right through the end of the school year.  One of our favorite end-of-year activities was our trip to the local water park. We were fortunate that it was within walking distance of our school, so kids could bring their lunches and we could spend the afternoon there together. The excitement leading up to that day was often enough to help them stay motivated for weeks beforehand. It was simple, active, inexpensive, and something they remembered long after the school year ended.  Another favorite event was our beach day at the seashore. This became a special tradition for many of my classes. We would walk to the beach and spend part of the day exploring the shoreline together. We would do a sea life scavenger hunt where kids carried magnifying glasses and small buckets as they searched for interesting tidepool discoveries. They would carefully collect items to show the adults helping with the activity and then return them to where they had found them afterward. If they spotted sea stars or other creatures attached to rocks, they would proudly show us the location without disturbing them. It became a wonderful opportunity to teach respect for marine life while still allowing kids to explore and observe closely. Later, families would join us for a beach wiener roast, which made the day feel even more special. It created a real sense of community at the end of the school year and gave kids, parents, and teachers a chance to relax and celebrate together.  Here are some scavenger hunts that would work well for younger children.  Another activity that kids might really enjoy is a landmark scavenger hunt. This could be easily localized with photos and questions that fit where they live or a nearby area. Leadership students or adults could be asked to come along and monitor groups and take pictures. I created one for a visiting group along our local seawalk. The students were divided into small groups, each with an older leadership student or an adult helper. They worked together to locate landmarks, answer questions, and take photographs along the route. The students loved the combination of teamwork, movement, and exploration. Activities like this kept students engaged while still encouraging problem-solving, observation skills, and cooperation. Looking back, I think these activities worked so well because they gave kids meaningful shared experiences to work toward together. The final weeks of school can sometimes feel long, but having positive goals and memorable activities helped keep our classroom connected and motivated right until the last day.
The activities did not need to be elaborate or expensive to matter. Some of the experiences students talked about for years afterward were the simple ones that allowed them to explore, laugh, work together, and enjoy time outdoors with their classmates.  As teachers, we put a lot of energy into making the school year meaningful from September to June. The final weeks of school do not always need elaborate themes or expensive celebrations. Sometimes the most meaningful motivation comes from simple shared experiences that help kids feel connected and proud of what they accomplished together before the school year ends. Related Posts There’s something about those last few weeks of school. The weather turns, the sun lingers a little longer, and suddenly the classroom walls feel much smaller than they did in January. If you’ve ever watched your students glance longingly out the window while you’re trying to finish a lesson, you know exactly what I mean. Especially whlen other classes are outside and they can hear them.  Over the years, I found that instead of fighting that restless energy, it works much better to lean into it. Taking learning outside doesn’t mean losing structure, it just means shifting it. Some of my most focused, engaged lessons actually happened on the playground, field, or even a patch of grass beside the school. Here are a few outdoor activities that helped me keep learning going while giving students the movement and fresh air they were craving. 1. Turn Games Into Learning OpportunitiesOne of my favorite ways to combine academics with outdoor fun was adapting games the students already loved. We often played kickball, but with an academic twist. Before students could kick the ball, they had to answer a question correctly. Depending on the class and subject we were working on, this could include:
The students became incredibly motivated to practice skills because they wanted their turn to play. It also kept everyone involved because teammates would quietly help each other think through answers while waiting. What I liked most was that it never felt like “extra work” to the students. To them, it was simply part of the game.  2. Real-Life Measurement with Trundle WheelsAnother favorite activity involved taking out the trundle wheels and heading outdoors to measure the school grounds. Students worked in groups to:
This activity made measurement feel meaningful because students were working with spaces they saw every day. It also naturally encouraged teamwork and discussion as they figured out how to organize and record their data. Some groups became very competitive about accuracy, which always made me smile.  3. Use Community Spaces for Learning and MovementMy school was near a neighborhood park, and we took advantage of that whenever we could. During the last part of the school year, we would walk there and use the open space for:
It became an easy way to incorporate daily physical activity, especially when the gym wasn’t available. I also noticed that students who sometimes struggled indoors often thrived in these activities. Having more room to move and interact changed the dynamic completely for some children.  4. Outdoor Reading And Writing: “See It, Hear It, Feel It”I would often take my classes outside for silent reading and small reading group activities in the springtime. They enjoyed just lying around reading or discussing together while soaking in the sunshine. Taking writing outside instantly made it more meaningful. I’d have students sit quietly for a few minutes and really notice their surroundings:
For students who struggled to get started indoors, this often unlocked ideas quickly. The environment did half the work for them.  5. Chalk Math and Word WorkSidewalk chalk could turn almost any outdoor space into a learning station. Some easy options:
 6. Nature-Based Learning ExperiencesOne of the most memorable end-of-year activities we did involved walking to a nearby seashore for a sealife scavenger hunt. Students worked in small groups with magnifying glasses and buckets as they carefully searched the tidepools for different kinds of marine life. They were always fascinated by starfish, hermit crabs, and other living creatures they discovered along the shoreline. For living creatures like starfish, students would usually call us over to show us where they had found them rather than disturbing or moving them. Other small items that were safe to collect temporarily could be brought over to be checked off on the scavenger hunt list before being carefully returned to the tidepools where they belonged. The activity naturally led to wonderful conversations about habitats, respecting living things, and observing nature without disturbing it. What stood out to me every year was how engaged the students became. Even children who sometimes struggled to stay focused in the classroom were completely absorbed in the activity. Because they were so interested in what they were discovering, keeping them within the set boundaries and working cooperatively was surprisingly easy. We often followed the scavenger hunt with a campfire and hot dog roast, inviting parents and younger siblings to join us. It became more than just a field trip or science activity; it felt like a celebration of the classroom community we had built throughout the year. Those are the kinds of experiences students remember long after the school year ends.  Why Outdoor Learning Works So Well at the End of the YearWhat I noticed over time was this: when students had a chance to move, talk, and interact with their environment, they were actually more focused during learning tasks, not less. Outdoor learning helped:
And perhaps most importantly, it allowed students to end the school year feeling connected to each other, to their school community, and to learning itself.  The end of the year doesn’t have to feel like you’re simply trying to keep students occupied until summer break arrives. With a few simple adjustments, outdoor activities can become some of the richest learning opportunities of the entire year. Many of the activities my students remembered most didn’t happen at desks. They happened outside, measuring the playground, solving equations before kicking a ball, exploring the shoreline, or laughing together during a game at the park.  Sometimes the best way to keep learning strong at the end of the year is to take it outdoors. Related Posts There are some topics children are very curious about, and money is definitely one of them. They see adults tap cards, use bank machines, shop online, and talk about saving for things, but many children do not really understand how money works. In my previous blog posts, I shared ideas for helping students recognize coins, count money, and solve money word problems. Those skills are important building blocks. This classroom unit became the next step in helping students understand how money works in everyday life.  When I was teaching Grade 3, I realized many of my students thought money simply came from a bank machine whenever they wanted it. They had no clear understanding of where that money came from, how accounts worked, or why people needed to earn money before they could spend it. That realization led to one of the most practical and engaging units I ever taught.  We Built the Unit TogetherInstead of teaching money as only coin recognition and worksheets, we built a classroom money unit together based on the questions students had. I gathered every set of play money and school money I could find, and we got to work. We started with the basics:
The hands-on work quickly gave students confidence. It also made regrouping and base ten concepts feel much more meaningful. When students can trade 10 dimes for a dollar or combine smaller amounts into larger ones, place value starts to make sense in practice.  Moving Beyond Counting CoinsOnce students understood the basics, we moved into the bigger question: How does money actually work in real life? That is where the learning became especially powerful. We talked about:
We even used pretend debit cards and classroom bank accounts. Students actually had to deposit their earnings and subtract purchases or withdrawals. Suddenly, a bank machine was no longer a “free money machine.” They began to understand that money has to come from somewhere first.  The Four Piggy Bank SystemOne of my favorite parts of the unit was using four piggy banks. Whenever students earned classroom dollars, they divided each dollar into categories:
This opened wonderful conversations about priorities, planning, generosity, and delayed gratification. Even at eight or nine years old, children can begin learning that money decisions matter.  Ways Children Can Earn MoneyWe also brainstormed realistic ways children ages 8–12 could earn money responsibly. Students came up with ideas such as:
Then we created scenarios and sample bank accounts where students earned money, spent money, saved money, and adjusted balances. They loved it because it felt real.  By the end of the unit, students were far more aware of money than when we started. They understood:
That kind of learning lasts.  A Reminder for TeachersSometimes we teach money only as a math strand: count coins, make change, solve a worksheet. Those skills matter, but children also need financial understanding. Even simple classroom routines can help:
 Ready-to-Use Resources That classroom experience inspired me to create resources teachers can use in their own classrooms. Money Unit: Counting Money Activities, Worksheets, Word Problems & More A full unit with hands-on practice, counting money, and money concepts. Money Word Problems Activities, Task Cards & Counting Money Practice Kid-friendly real-life money problems that connect math to everyday situations.  If you teach late primary or early intermediate students, money lessons can become so much more than coin counting. They can become life lessons. And those are often the lessons students remember most. Related Posts In my last post, I shared some thoughts about the penny being phased out and how that change doesn’t need to feel overwhelming in the classroom. But the penny is really just one piece of a larger challenge. Many children today don’t handle money as often as they used to. They may see adults tap a card, insert it into a machine, or pay online, but they don’t always see what’s happening behind the scenes. To them, it can feel like money simply appears when it’s needed. Because of that, some important connections aren’t always clear:
 Making Money Visible in the ClassroomOne of the most helpful things we can do is make money visible again. This means giving kids regular opportunities to:
Even small exercises help them build understanding. For example:
These questions help them see how money works in real life.  Why Counting and Making Change Still MatterEven though many transactions are digital, the math behind them hasn’t changed. Kids still need to:
These skills build number sense, connect directly to addition and subtraction, and help them make sense of everyday situations, even if cash isn’t involved.  Building Confidence with MoneySome kids may feel unsure simply because they haven’t had as much exposure to handling money. Providing a variety of opportunities to practice can help:
As they become more comfortable, their confidence grows and so does their understanding.  Where These Activities Fit InStructured activities can really help kids build a solid foundation. Provide opportunities to:
Give them the repetition and variety they need to understand money. Using a mix of full units and smaller task-based activities ensures they can apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways. Here are some hands on resources that may help.
Once kids understand coins, bills, and counting, they’re ready for the next step: understanding how money works in a broader sense.  In my next post, I’ll explore ideas for helping kids make sense of money in everyday life, including earning, saving, and using money in real-world situations. Related Posts You may have heard that the United States will no longer be producing pennies. They’re being phased out. If you’re a teacher, this might raise a few questions: Do we still teach pennies? Do we change how we teach money? What does this look like in the classroom? The good news is you don’t need to panic. Canada went through this in 2012 when our pennies were phased out, and the transition was smoother than many of us expected. Over time, both everyday transactions and classroom instruction continued just fine.  What Actually Changed (and What Didn’t)Even without pennies in circulation, cents haven’t disappeared. Prices are still written to the exact cent, and debit and credit transactions are still exact. The main change is in cash transactions, which are now rounded to the nearest five cents. That means kids still need to understand how money works. They just apply that understanding differently in cash situations.  Do We Still Need to Teach Pennies?Yes. Even if pennies aren’t used in cash transactions, they are still important for learning. Kids benefit from understanding that:
These ideas support place value, addition, subtraction and regrouping. Pennies are also helpful when introducing rounding. Seeing pennies in front of them allows them to decide: “Is this closer to the previous nickel or the next one?” This visual makes rounding meaningful.  What Might Change in Your TeachingInstead of removing pennies completely, consider how they are used. Kids can:
This approach helps kids connect both concepts without confusion. Counting exact totals and then rounding for cash transactions gives them a clearer picture of real-world money use.  Supporting This in the ClassroomTo make this transition smooth, provide opportunities for kids to practice:
Activities like these help them see how money is actually used, and make the transition feel natural. For example, you might use resources I created for rounding up or down and working with money without pennies to give them hands-on practice.
The change with the penny is just one part of a bigger picture. Money is starting to look different in students’ lives, and many children don’t regularly handle cash.  In my next post, we’ll explore how to teach money when kids aren’t getting as much hands-on experience outside of school. We’ll focus on helping them recognize coins and bills, count money, and make change while building the skills they need before moving into real-world earning and saving.  Related Posts This time of year always feels like the perfect moment to study plants with young children. As the weather warms and gardens begin to wake up, they start noticing the changes happening outside. Buds appear, grass grows greener, and tiny plants begin pushing their way up through the soil. Those changes make plant life cycles a wonderful topic to explore in the classroom.  Watching plants grow with children is one of those classroom experiences that never gets old. A tiny seed doesn’t look like much at first. But with a little water, warmth, and patience, it begins to change. Roots appear. A stem pushes upward. Leaves slowly unfold. For young kids, this transformation feels almost magical.  Growing Beans in the ClassroomOne of the easiest and most effective ways to explore plant life cycles is by growing beans. When I was teaching, we tried different ways to watch bean seeds grow. We planted them in pots and placed them near the window. We also put them in plastic bags with wet paper towels and attached them to the window, and once we put them in CD cases with a little soil and placed them in front of the window. The children checked on them every day to see what had changed. It always made me smile to see children checking their seeds and pointing excitedly when the first root appeared or when a tiny stem began to grow. Eventually, we would send the seedlings home so students could plant them in their gardens. Many kids proudly reported back about how tall their plants had grown.  Plant investigations naturally lead to curiosity. Kids start asking questions like: • What do plants need to grow? • How long does it take for seeds to sprout? • What happens if plants don’t get enough water or light? • Why do some plants grow faster than others? These kinds of questions are the beginning of real scientific thinking.  Simple Plant Investigation ActivitiesYoung children can explore plant life cycles through many hands-on activities. They might: • observe seeds before planting them • draw plant growth in science journals • measure how tall their plants grow • label plant parts • compare different types of seeds These simple observations help kids understand how plants grow and change over time. To support these kinds of investigations, I created a Plant Investigations Bundle that includes recording pages and activities to help them observe, compare, and document plant growth.  Free Plant Cycle PosterTo help students visualize the stages of plant growth, I’m also sharing a free plant life cycle poster. This simple visual shows how a seed develops into a young plant. Teachers often find that visuals like this help children connect what they see in their cups or garden plots with the larger idea of the plant life cycle.  More Life Cycle ResourcesIf you are planning a life cycle unit, you may also want to explore the Life Cycles category in my TPT store. It includes activities designed to help children explore how both plants and animals grow and change.  Life cycle studies are some of the most engaging science lessons you can teach in the primary classroom. When kids see seeds sprouting and plants growing in front of them, they begin to understand that science is happening all around them. And sometimes, it all starts with something as small as a single seed.  Related Posts |
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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