What does this objective mean?
This objective requires your child to be able to add together different combinations of coins to reach one total.
How might it be assessed in the 7+?
Children may be asked to identify several combinations from one set of coins. For example:
Josh wants to buy an apple for 12p. He has a one pence coin, a two pence coin, a five pence coin and a ten pence coin.
a) Which two coins could he use?
b) Which three coins could he use?
How do I teach this to my child?
First ensure your child can name all of the coins and understands their value. Practise counting in 2s, 5s, 10s and 20s before you start.
Begin by asking your child to find one combination of coins to make up a small amount (e.g. 10p). As they gain confidence, increase the amount they need to make and ask them to find several possible combinations.
How can we practice this?
Allow your child to practice this with real money. If they are confident finding coins to total amounts under £1, challenge them by asking them to make larger amounts (e.g. £1.25).
If your child is confident in this, extend them with a challenge:
1. What is the fewest number of coins you can use to make ___?
2. What is the largest number of coins you can use to make ___?
