by Jackie Curtis

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: March 08, 2009

Acquiring the skill of counting back money often remains overlooked. With the technological advances of the 21st century, we rely heavily on the use of cash registers, computers, and calculators to do our work. Counting back money requires concentration and practice. It also requires a working knowledge of counting numbers as well as the value of coins and bills.

Preteens are very receptive to learning this skill, and basic math skills should be mastered before learning how to count back money. Younger children may show an interest in learning too, and they should be encouraged to do so, but lessons should come in small increments. Failure will curb enthusiasm.

Teaching how to count back money requires money or some type of representation of money. One may choose to use real money or purchase "play" money typically available wherever toys are sold. However, "play" money must look realistic, otherwise a learner may become confused. Both teacher and student must possess an adequate amount of money to engage in these exercises. This skill may be taught over a period of time and should be.

Start off with only paper bills. The following paper bills are recommended for each person:

4 - $1.00 bills

3- $5.00 bills

2- $10.00 bills

1- $20.00 bill

Create small "price tags" before the game begins. Price tags should reflect the prices of: $1.00, $2.00, $3.00, $4.00, and $5.00.

Find a simple item and use it throughout the instructional time to represent merchandise being bought/sold. The learner represents the seller; the teacher represents the buyer.

1. Learner sells item for $1.00. Buyer pays seller $1.00. Done.

2. Learner sells item for $2.00. Buyer pays seller $5.00. Have seller count back money to buyer from selling price to amount buyer gave. Seller starts with restating the selling price and must hand money back to buyer adding up to $5.00. For example, seller states, $2.00, then hands buyer $1.00 saying three, then another $1.00 saying four, and one more $1.00 bill saying five. Five equals the $5.00 the buyer gave the seller.

3. Learner sells item for $3.00. Buyer pays seller $5.00. Seller will count back money to buyer from selling price to amount buyer gave. Seller starts with restating the selling price - $3.00, then hands the buyer $1.00 saying four, and another $1.00 saying five.

4. Learner sells item for $4.00. Buyer pays seller $5.00. Seller will count back money to buyer from selling price to amount buyer gave. Seller starts by restating the selling price - $4.00, then

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