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Counting Pennies
Count out pennies from the cash drawer. Encourage children to enter the number of
pennies that you count out. With practice, children will be able to enter the amount of
pennies that they have counted themselves.
Beginning Addition
Use the calculator for beginning addition. Use pennies, blocks or other counters to help
children visualize the addition process. Group counters into piles that are less than ten.
Count one pile and enter its total into the register. Count the other pile and add it to the
first. Show children how the calculator added the two piles together. Push the counter piles
together and check the calculator's addition.
School-Age Children
School-age children are ready to begin working with the calculator. Use the calculator to
reinforce basic maths facts, not replace them.
How Many?
Use the multiplication feature of the calculator to determine how many fingers there are in
the classroom. Count the children in the room and multiply by ten. Use the same method to
calculate how many eyes there are in the classroom.
How Old are We?
Use the calculator to add the ages of everyone in the classroom.
Let's Go Shopping!
You need:
- Calculator Cash Register
- Money
- Empty grocery boxes and containers
To play:
Create a "supermarket" by arranging products on shelves, the floor, on tables or even on
a row of chairs! Put prices on items for sale. (Keep prices in the single digits for young
children. Use double digits and notes for older children.) Make a shopping list and use
coupons. Encourage children to take turns being shoppers or the check-out person. Both
jobs are fun!
Use language to reinforce learning as you play: "Oh, you've bought 5 cans of peas!" or
"I'm sorry, you gave me less money than I need. Could I please have a pound more?" Don't
limit your language to real life; use your imagination! This can be very entertaining (and
educational) for all ages.
Shoe Shop
You need:
- Calculator Cash Register
- Assorted men's, women's, children's and babies shoes
To play:
Help children set up a shoe shop! Jumble shoes into a pile and let the children
sort them into pairs and arrange them by size. Place the shoes on the floor or on shelves
for viewing. Suggest prices for shoes based on their appearance and type. (Use single-digit
whole pound amounts for younger children and larger denominations for older children.)
Encourage children to take turns being customers, salespeople or the check-out person.
- Play foods
- Shopping bags
- Coupons
- Money
- Ruler
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