LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

You're the cashier!

Students will use manipulatives and computers to count back change from amounts up to $5.00.

A lesson plan for grade 3 Mathematics

By Lynn Tugwell

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Learning outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to give correct change from a $5.00 bill.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1 hour

Materials/resources

  • Packets of coins and dollar bills (real or play money)
  • Index cards, each with item and amount printed (i.e. comic book $2.49)

Technology resources

Computers with internet access

Pre-activities

  • Hands-on experience counting money values up to $5.00.
  • Instruction from teacher on how to “count back” change from amounts up to $5.00.

Activities

  1. Divide students into two groups, with students in both groups having partners.
  2. In the first group, each pair of students will be given a packet of money and index cards. They will switch off playing the roles of customer and cashier, one paying the given amount and the other giving change.
  3. The number of pairs in the second group will depend on how many computers are available. Each pair will visit the “Funbrain” web site where they will play the Change Maker game. The price of an item is shown, and the student must indicate how many of each coin will used to “count back” the change. Levels are easy, medium, and hard.

Assessment

While one student plays Changemaker, the partner will record the score. They will then switch places. Students should answer at least 15 out of 20 correct.

Supplemental information

Supplemental Resources:

  • Moving Up In Money (SRA)
  • Teacher’s Helper Grade 2/3 Nov/Dec/Jan 1999-2000 (Practice worksheets counting money)

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will model, identify, and compute with whole numbers through 9,999.
    • Objective 1.01: Develop number sense for whole numbers through 9,999.
      • Connect model, number word, and number using a variety of representations.
      • Build understanding of place value (ones through thousands).
      • Compare and order.
    • Objective 1.02: Develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 9,999 using:
      • Strategies for adding and subtracting numbers.
      • Estimation of sums and differences in appropriate situations.
      • Relationships between operations.
    • Objective 1.06: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.