1.4.A

Math1st GradeNumber and operations

The Standard

identify U.S. coins, including pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, by value and describe the relationships among them

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students match pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters to their names and cent values. They compare coins and show how groups of smaller-value coins equal larger-value coins.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students correctly match each coin to its name and value, even when the picture changes size or orientation. They explain exchanges such as five pennies for one nickel and two nickels for one dime.

Common Misconceptions

Students may think the largest coin has the greatest value, so they rank a nickel above a dime. They may also confuse coin names or count coins instead of their values.

How to Assess It

Give each student pictures of the four coins. Ask them to label each value and show two different ways to make 25 cents.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Have students sort plastic coins onto labeled mats, then trade equal values using pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.

  2. Ask, “Why is a dime worth more than a nickel even though it is smaller?” Students explain with words or pictures.

  3. Play a matching game with coin pictures, value cards, and cards showing equivalent groups of coins.

  4. Set up a pretend store where students choose coin combinations to pay for items priced from 1 to 25 cents.

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