Show Me The Money! Manipulatives That Motivate.

I find that students learn so much better with manipulatives, all the more if they make their own, because they are reinforcing concepts as they put their project together.

Not only will children enjoy making these coin Popsicle stick puppets, they will have fun playing the "What Am I?" game that follows perfect for a President's Day activity.

Here's how to make the Coin Sticks:

Run off the masters. Students cut out their coins and color them the appropriate colors.

Children cut and glue the penny and nickel back-to-back and the dime and quarter back-to-back. This way they will only have 2 “puppet” sticks to manipulate for the game.

I've pictured the fronts and backs of the coin sticks in the photo as I made 2 pair.

Students trace the coin words with a crayon, cut them out and glue them to the matching coin stick.

Older children can simply write the name of the coin on the stick with a marker.

To make the papers a little more durable, I glued mine to a scrap of construction paper.

Using a hot glue gun, or glue dots, teachers glues REAL coins to their Popsicle sticks.

Students sit on the floor in front of the teacher. Teacher reads one clue at a time for a coin.

Children can raise their Popsicle stick coin puppet anytime they know the answer, but may change it only once after the teacher reads: What am I?

The teacher holds up a real coin stick and asks: "Is this the correct coin?"  This can be the correct one, to which the children reply “Yes!” or an incorrect one. The teacher then chooses another stick, ‘til (s)he gets it right.

This is a great way to whole-group assess, and a fun way to have students learn the different facts about the coins.

Have students keep their coin sticks in their desks/cubbies so you can play the game daily/weekly. When the novelty has worn off, or when students can identify the coins they can take them home.

You can also use these coin sticks to help students with spatial directions.  i.e. Hold the penny stick in your left hand. Show me the quarter stick in your right hand. Put the dime beside the nickel etc.

Likewise, you can review body parts and have children put the penny on their thigh, the nickel on their wrist, the dime on their hip etc.

Your students will enjoy these “Simon Says” type games. They are quick reviews, and you can whole group assess in a matter of a few minutes.

Click on the link to view/download the Coin Popsicle Stick Puppets  To hang up some coin posters with poems click on the link. Coin Poster Poems

To reward students with a certificate of praise click on the link. Coin Certificates

Because President's Day is tomorrow I wrote 2 more articles for you. Scroll down for a "You're Cent-sational!" Star Student neckace.  Perfect for President's Day. 

Do you have something you'd like to share?  I'd enjoy hearing from you: diane@teachwithme.com OR...feel free to leave a comment, especially if you use an idea.  Thanks in advance!