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Teach Kids About Money with Presidents' Day
When is it?:
Third Monday in February
President's Day provides wonderful educational opportunities. In addition to learning about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, you can include the other presidents featured on our currency. With younger children, it is best to focus on no more than a few denominations:
- penny - Abraham Lincoln
- nickel - Thomas Jefferson
- dime - Franklin Roosevelt
- quarter - George Washington
- fifty-cent piece - John F. Kennedy
- $1 bill - George Washington
- $5 bill - Abraham Lincoln
While going over the different coins and bills, talk about each President and a couple of important things about their term or terms in office. Show them the front and back and let them get familiar with the buildings and other objects shown on the currency. You will have to decide if you want to use the older coins or the newer versions, or a mix. Some of the questions you ask about the coins will vary depending on which edition of the coins you use.
Some questions to ask are, "Which one has a pyramid on it?" or "Whose home is on the back of the nickel?" You can ask, "Which presidents appear on more than one type currency?" Let the child ask you questions and see if you can find the money they are looking for.
Create a pretend store with the children. Why not find magazine pictures of things to stock in the store? Put the pictures on index cards with a price written on them. Some suggestions for items include: cherries, axes, stovepipe hats, and books. For practice buy 'goods' with the children, and help them make change.
This not only helps familiarize children with how money works (like making change), but they will gain some American history along the way.
More Resources:
Fun President's
Day Ideas for Kids
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