3.4.C

Math3rd GradeNumber and operations

The Standard

determine the value of a collection of coins and bills

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students find the total amount in a mixed group of coins and bills. They count by coin and bill values, combine cents and dollars, and record the amount correctly.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students accurately total mixed groups of bills and coins, including amounts greater than one dollar. They group equal coins, exchange 100 cents for one dollar, and use correct money notation.

Common Misconceptions

Students may count the number of coins instead of their values. They may confuse nickels and quarters, or write 3 dollars and 5 cents as $3.5 instead of $3.05.

How to Assess It

Give an exit ticket showing 2 one-dollar bills, 3 quarters, 2 dimes, 1 nickel, and 4 pennies. Ask students to write the total and show their counting steps.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Build five labeled collections with play money, then count each collection and record its value using a dollar sign and decimal point.

  2. Explain in writing why counting bills first, then coins, can make a mixed collection easier to total.

  3. Play Money Match: pair each picture card of coins and bills with the card showing its total value.

  4. Use a classroom store menu to choose two items, pay with play money, and check whether the amount is exact.

Keep exploring

Related Standards

Turn this exact standard into a lesson

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.