Counting coins is one of the first real-world maths skills children learn. It bridges the gap between abstract numbers and something they can hold in their hands. But for many kids, coins are confusing — a small coin can be worth more than a big one, and the values don’t follow obvious patterns.
The good news: with the right approach, counting coins clicks quickly. And play shop games are one of the most effective ways to make it happen.
Why Counting Coins Matters
Coin counting isn’t just about money. It builds foundational skills that carry into other areas of maths:
- Skip counting — counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 20s
- Grouping and sorting — organising by value, size, or type
- Addition — combining different values to reach a total
- Place value awareness — understanding that a single coin can represent multiple units
Children who practise with real currency also develop stronger number sense than those who only work with abstract problems on worksheets.
What to Expect at Each Age
Every child develops at their own pace, but here’s a general guide:
Ages 4–5: Can identify coins by appearance. Starting to understand that different coins have different values. Can count small groups of identical coins (e.g., three 1p coins).
Ages 5–6: Can sort coins by value. Beginning to count mixed groups of coins. Can count up to 20p or 50p using simple combinations.
Ages 6–7: Can count mixed coins confidently. Starting to add coin values mentally. Can work with amounts over £1 / $1 and understand the relationship between coins and notes.
How myplayshop Teaches Coin Counting
In myplayshop, your child runs their own shop. When a customer comes to buy something, they need to work out the total and handle the payment — using real coins from their chosen currency.
This creates natural, repeated practice with coin counting in a context that feels like play, not homework:
- Scanning items builds familiarity with prices and coin values
- Adding up totals requires counting coins to match a price
- Handling payments means counting the coins a customer gives them
- Giving change introduces subtraction with coins
The game uses real coin designs from 16 different currencies, so children learn with the actual coins they’ll use in shops.
Activities to Try at Home
Pair screen time with hands-on practice for the best results:
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The sorting game — Empty your coin jar and ask your child to sort coins into groups by value. Then count each group together.
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Shop at home — Put price stickers on household items (keep it under £1 / $1 to start). Give your child a handful of coins and let them “buy” things by counting out the right amount.
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The coin guessing game — Put a coin in a bag. Let your child feel it without looking and guess which coin it is. This builds coin recognition through touch.
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Piggy bank counting — At the end of each week, count the coins in a piggy bank together. Write down the total and watch it grow.
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Real shop practice — Next time you’re at a shop, let your child hand over the coins for a small purchase. Talk through how much each coin is worth as they count.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Start with one denomination — Don’t mix coin types until your child is confident counting groups of identical coins.
- Use real coins — Play money is fine, but real coins have weight, texture, and familiarity that helps learning stick.
- Make mistakes normal — When your child miscounts, don’t correct immediately. Ask “shall we count again together?” instead.
- Keep sessions short — 10–15 minutes of focused coin practice is more effective than a long session where attention drifts.
- Connect to myplayshop — After hands-on practice, let your child play a few rounds in the app. The combination of physical and digital reinforces learning.