Counting money, the way children learn it
Children first learn to recognise each coin and note and its value, then to count a handful of the same coin, and then to add mixed coins by starting with the one worth the most and counting on. The coins on every problem are sorted from biggest to smallest value to support that habit.
Money in CAPS
In the Foundation Phase children recognise South African coins and notes, and work out totals and change in rand and cents. The sheets write amounts as 50c and R2.50, the way children see them on price tags.
CAPS links
- Grade 1Recognises the coins and the R10 and R20 notes; solves totals and change to R20, and in cents to 20c.
- Grade 2Adds the R50 note; solves totals and change to R99, and in cents to 90c.
- Grade 3Recognises all South African coins and notes, solves money problems in rands or cents, and converts between rands and cents.
The coins and notes on these sheets stop at R50, which covers the CAPS range for Grades 1 and 2. Grade 3 works with all the notes, so bring in real or play R100 and R200 notes for those lessons. CAPS lists a play shop with play money as essential equipment for Grade R and Grade 1.
For Grade 3, use the answer key to practise converting: a total of 250c is R2.50, and R2.50 is 250 cents.
Summarised in our own words from the DBE’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Mathematics, Foundation Phase (2011).
