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make crayon rubbings of the quarter using different color crayons. The children then cut out the rubbings and glue them to the giant poster board. This, too, could be used as a puzzle.

COUNT OUT MONEY

Once your children have learned the value of each coin, place some money amounts on index cards in a bowl. A child picks out $.45 with a circle large enough for a quarter, and two circles large enough for two dimes. When they are ready, eliminate the circle clues, and have them count out the money on their own.

MONEY STORE

Let your child arrange empty food cartons or boxes to create a store. Either you or your child can put a price tag on each one. For young children the items may cost 1cent to 5 cents each, while older children can handle 10 cents to a few dollars. After shopping at the store they pay you with play money. At first, allow them to buy just one object. When they're ready, increase the number of items.

MASH POTATOES

Parents should emphasize the importance of money by their example. Explain the difference between a "need" and a "want" using this game. You explain to the children that Mashed Potatoes represents something we "need" to survive as it provides nutrients for our bodies, and that Gravy represents something that may make the mashed potatoes taste better, but it isn't something we "need" to survive. Therefore it is a "want." You have then shown the difference between a "want" and a "need."

The next step is to create flash cards or cut out pictures from magazines and have the children yell out MASHED POTATOES for something that represents a "need" or GRAVY for something that represents a "want."

SET GOALS

Teach the children to set goals by earning and saving money for a particular purpose. Ask them what items they may want to save for. (toy, gift for someone, charity) This helps the children learn the value of money.

SAVING

Talk about the benefits of a piggy bank or savings account. Explain that the bank pays them for the use of their money by giving interest. Parents should encourage saving, but allow them to use some of their money on special occasions. Point out the increases in their savings account as interest is paid to them.

It's never too soon to teach the value of money to young children. When you go to the grocery store, have them pay and get change for the candy they buy.

Learn more about this author, Kathy Stemke.
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