U.S. Money Activities for Elementary ESL & Math Centers

 The resource is here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-Money-Activities-for-Elementary-ESL-Math-Centers-15640388

Flashcards are the perfect first step for teaching money because they make abstract concepts visual and concrete. Before students can count, spend, or make change, they need to recognize and name each coin and bill. Flashcards provide clear images, repeated exposure that build this essential foundation. They allow students to sort, match, and identify values at their own pace — with no pressure.

Introduce Coins and Bills with a Wallet & Coin Purse Activity

Using a paper wallet for bills and a coin purse for coins(provided in the resource), students will watch as the teacher pulls out flashcards one by one to discover the names and values of U.S. currency.

Assemble the Wallet & Coin Purse for Flashcard Activities. Print the wallet and coin purse templates on cardstock.  Insert each one into a clear plastic sheet protector to create a pocket. Slide the appropriate flashcards into each one: Bills go into the wallet, coins go into the coin purse.

Show me! Goal: recognition. Perfect warm-up activity.

Teacher: “Show me twenty dollars.”

Students pick the correct flashcard: twenty dollars!

Coin grab. Goal: listening. Spread cards on a table. Teacher calls a coin word. Two students race to grab the correct card.

Puzzle game. Goal: reading + matching. Cut the flashcards into strips: they symbol, the coin or bill, the word. Students match all the pieces to create a correct flashcard. Works well in centers.

Class store (BEST activity ⭐). Goal: communicative practice

Create a mini store with classroom objects. Place the labels, also provided, around several objects in the classroom. Give enough space for the students to stand for role play.

A group of students “buy” items using money flash cards, they walk around and see what they can buy with the money on the flash cards. The others are the sellers standing next to items.

Student 1: How much is it?

Student 2: It’s one hundred dollars.

Student 1: Here you are.

👉 Excellent real-life practice.

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