Recommended Age: 3 years and onwards
Level of Parent Involvement: Low, the initial exercise requires a short presentation, then you may leave the child to work independently
Prerequisites
- None
Materials
- One of each of Australian currency coins ($2, $1, 50c piece, 20c piece, 10c piece, 5 cent piece)
- A4 paper
- Crayons
- A container to keep the coins
- A basket or tray to keep the materials
Preparation
- For hygiene purposes prior to the child working with this activity, clean the coins with ¼ cup of vinegar and 1-2 teaspoons of salt. Submerge the coins in the solution for a few minutes then rinse in warm water to remove any vinegar. Polish the coins with a cloth or paper towel.
- Place the container of coins and crayons on the tray
Steps
- Invite the child, you may want to involve the child in the preparation of this exercise by explaining to them that for this activity you need to use coins, but coins are dirty, so you first have to clean them
- The child may help placing the coins into the vinegar and alt solution and dry them with the paper towel or cloth
- Once the coins are dry place the coins into the container, the child may bring the tray with the coins and the crayons to the table, you bring the A4 paper, indicating to the child where it is kept so they may get more if needed
- Sit to the right of the child and place the container of coins in front of the child
- Take each coin out of the container, one at a time and name
- Notice with the child the different sizes, pictures and numbers on the coins
- Take one of the coins and place the coin on the table
- Put the paper on top of the coin
- With your left index finger hold the edge of the coin, your right hand picks up a crayon
- Demonstrate correct pencil grip when holding the crayon and using back and forth motions, colour over the top of the coin, revealing the shape and picture on the coin with the colour of the crayon
- Lift your finger off the coin and admire the impression you have made
- Take the coin out from under the paper
- Take another coin and place under the paper in a space away from the last
- Repeat as above
- Invite the child to get a piece of paper and have a turn
- Leave the child to work independently
Variations
- The child may paint the coins then stamp them onto paper to reveal the picture on the coin
- An older child may like to cut the coins out and then paste them onto another piece of paper, the child may also label the coins (you may need to demonstrate how to write the monetary amount for the child)
