Activity 01
Coin Detectives
Give each pupil or pair a small pot of mixed coins (1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c) and a magnifying glass. Pupils examine the coins, describing their colour, size, and the images on them. They can then sort the coins into separate piles based on their findings.
Identify today's date on the calendar.
Facilitation TipEncourage pupils to use descriptive language like 'coppery', 'goldy', 'big', 'small', and 'thick'.
What to look forObserve pupils during the 'Classroom Shop' activity. Note their ability to select the correct coins for a purchase and whether they can identify coins by name.
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Activity 02
The Classroom Shop
Set up a simple shop in the classroom with items (e.g., pencils, rubbers, small toys) priced up to 20c. Pupils take turns being the shopkeeper and the customer, using coins to buy one item at a time.
Explain how you would find the first Monday of a month.
Facilitation TipStart with items priced at exact coin values (e.g., 5c, 10c) before moving to prices that require combining coins.
What to look forProvide a simple worksheet where pupils circle the correct coins to match a given price tag, or draw a line from a coin to its correct value.
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Activity 03
Coin Rubbings
Pupils place a coin under a thin sheet of paper and rub over it with the side of a crayon to create an impression. They can create a chart of all the different coins and label them with their value.
Justify why a calendar is a useful tool.
Facilitation TipThis is an excellent sensory activity that helps pupils focus on the unique designs and textures of each coin.
What to look forAsk pupils to give a 'thumbs up' if they can find a 10c coin in a pot, or to hold up the coin you call out from a selection on their table.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Begin with sensory exploration, allowing pupils to simply handle and sort the coins. Gradually introduce the name and value of each coin, starting with the 1c, 2c and 5c. Use sorting mats and games to reinforce recognition before moving on to structured activities like a classroom shop where they can apply their new knowledge.
Pupils will become confident in recognising Irish coins up to 20c and will be able to use them in simple, practical shopping games.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The value of a coin is determined by its size. For example, a pupil might think a 2c coin is worth more than a 5c coin because it is physically larger.
Explain that value is a fixed amount assigned to a coin, not related to its size. Use a number line to show that 5 is more than 2, and have pupils trade five 1c coins for one 5c coin to reinforce the concept of equivalent value.
Confusing the physical properties of coins, especially the 1c and 2c coins which are both copper-coloured, or the 10c and 20c coins which are both 'goldy'.
Provide ample time for sorting and handling activities. Explicitly point out the differences in size, thickness, and the number written on each coin. Use sorting mats to help pupils categorise them correctly.
Thinking that having more coins means having more money. For example, a pupil might believe that three 1c coins are worth more than one 5c coin.
Use practical examples. Set up a scenario where one item costs 5c. Show that three 1c coins are not enough to buy it, but one 5c coin is. Count out the value of each set of coins together to compare them.
Methods used in this brief