Before children can count money, they need to recognise it. Which coin is which? What’s it worth? Why does a small coin sometimes equal more than a big one?
Coin recognition is the first rung on the money maths ladder, and it’s more challenging than adults remember. myplayshop builds this skill naturally — every transaction involves seeing, selecting, and working with realistic coins.
Why Coin Recognition Matters
Coins are confusing for young children because they break the rules children have learned:
- Bigger doesn’t mean more — A 2p coin is larger than a 5p coin, but worth less
- Colour doesn’t help — Both 1p and 2p are copper; both 5p and 10p are silver
- The numbers are tiny — Young children can’t always read the small denominations printed on coins
- Different countries use different coins — Moving between currencies adds another layer
Children need repeated exposure to coins in meaningful contexts to build reliable recognition. Worksheets with printed coin images help, but they’re flat and static. Handling coins — even digital ones — in a game context is more effective.
How myplayshop Builds Coin Recognition
In myplayshop, coins appear naturally throughout gameplay:
During payment: When a customer pays, your child sees the individual coins and notes. They need to identify what’s been given to check if it’s enough.
During change-giving: Your child selects coins from the till to make change. They need to know which coin is which and what it’s worth to pick the right ones.
Across transactions: Over a play session, your child handles dozens of different coins. This repeated exposure builds automatic recognition.
With real designs: The coins look like the real thing. A £1 coin in the game looks like a £1 coin in your wallet. This means recognition transfers directly to real life.
Coin Recognition by Age
Ages 4–5: Can identify coins by appearance (colour, size, shape). Beginning to associate some coins with values. Might know that “the big gold one” is special.
Ages 5–6: Can name most common coins and state their value. Starting to understand that a 50p is worth five 10p coins. Can sort a pile of coins by denomination.
Ages 6–7: Confidently recognises all coins in their currency. Understands relationships between denominations. Can quickly identify coins and state their value.
Supporting Coin Recognition at Home
Pair myplayshop with hands-on coin activities:
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The coin museum — Lay out one of every coin from your currency. Label each with its value. Let your child study and handle them.
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Feel and guess — Put coins in a bag. Your child reaches in, feels one, and guesses which coin it is before pulling it out.
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Coin rubbings — Place coins under paper and rub with a crayon. Label each rubbing with its name and value.
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Sorting races — Tip out a jar of mixed coins and race to sort them into groups. Then count each group.
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Matching game — After playing myplayshop, show your child real coins and ask: “Which coin is this? You used it in your shop today!”
The Multi-Currency Advantage
myplayshop supports 7 currencies, which creates a unique learning opportunity:
- British Pounds — 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2
- US Dollars — Penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, dollar
- Euros — 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
- Norwegian, Swedish, Danish Kroner — Local denominations
- Ukrainian Hryvnia — Local denominations
For multicultural families, or children who travel, exploring different currencies is both educational and fascinating. “In Norway, they use kroner instead of pounds!”