Money is one of the first math skills children use in real life. In Canada, our coins have a few quirks, like the toonie and loonie and the fact that we no longer use pennies. Here is how to teach Canadian coins step by step.
1. Learn to recognize each coin
Start by letting your child hold real coins. Talk about size, colour and what is on each one. Compare the nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), loonie ($1) and toonie ($2).
2. Sort and match
Mix coins in a bowl and let your child sort them into groups. Then match coins to printed pictures to build recognition.
3. Practice counting by fives, tens and twenty-fives
Skip counting is the secret to counting coins quickly. Practice counting by 5s and 10s first, then by 25s. See our Skip Counting Worksheets for extra practice.
4. Start with simple totals
Ask your child to make 25 cents using different coins. Show that a quarter equals two dimes and a nickel. This is the start of understanding equivalence.
5. Play shop
Set up a pretend store with price tags. Let your child pay and give change. Real-life role play builds confidence fast.
6. Use worksheets for structured practice
Printable pages let kids practise counting mixed coins, finding totals and making change. Our Canadian Coins & Money Counting pack covers all of this with Canadian currency.
7. Talk about saving, spending and sharing
For older kids, introduce a simple savings goal. Our life skills collection includes helpful tools like allowance and savings trackers.
What about the penny?
Canada stopped distributing pennies in 2013, but cash totals are still rounded, and pennies still appear in older piggy banks. It is a good opportunity to talk about how money changes over time.
Explore more Canadian printables or our math worksheets.