Understanding UK Money

Curriculum Area

Mathematics – Measurement (Money)
Key Stage 1 – Year 2

In line with the UK National Curriculum, Year 2 students should:

• Recognise and use different denominations of coins and notes.
• Combine amounts to make a particular value.
• Find different combinations of coins that equal the same amounts of money.

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Lesson Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will:
✔ Identify UK coins and notes by their value, size, and colour.
✔ Practise combining coins to make specific amounts.
✔ Compare different ways to make the same total using different combinations.

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Resources Needed

• Real or replica UK coins and notes (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2, £5, £10).
• Plastic wallets or ziplock bags with pre-set collections of coins.
• Visuals of UK money (interactive whiteboard slides or printed images).
• Small whiteboards and markers.
• Shopping role-play items with price tags.

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Lesson Structure (55 minutes total)

1. Starter Activity – Quickfire Matching (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge of UK money recognition.

• Display large images of UK coins and notes on the board.
• Ask students guided questions:
  • “Who can tell me what this coin is?”
  • “Which coin is worth more: 10p or 5p?”
• Pass out small sets of mixed coins to pairs.
• Play "Find the Coin" – teacher calls out a value, and students find it in their collection and hold it up.

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2. Main Input – Exploring Different Coins & Notes (15 minutes)

Objective: Understand the value of individual coins and the idea of making amounts.

1. Introduce the concept of money using real-life scenarios (buying snacks, bus fare, pocket money).
2. Show a £1 coin – ask: “How can we make £1 using smaller coins?”
   • Use magnetic coins on the board to build totals.
   • Encourage students to suggest different ways (e.g., 50p + 50p, 20p + 20p + 10p + 50p).
3. Demonstrate how different notes and coins are used for different purposes.

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3. Partner Work – Coin Combinations (15 minutes)

Objective: Practise making amounts using various combinations of coins.

• Activity: "Shopkeeper Challenge"
  • Each pair receives a small wallet of coins and a shop price list.
  • Students take turns being the shopkeeper and customer.
  • Customer picks an item (e.g., "This apple costs 37p. How can I pay?").
  • Shopkeeper reviews their coins and works out ways to give the correct amount.
  • Teacher circulates, checks strategies, and questions reasoning.

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4. Independent Challenge – Money Riddles (10 minutes)

Objective: Solve money-based reasoning problems.

• Pose a problem on the board:
  "I have 2 coins. They add up to 15p. What coins do I have?"
• Students work independently using real/replica coins or drawings.
• Share answers and discuss why certain coins were chosen.

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5. Plenary – Reflection & Class Discussion (5 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce key concepts and allow students to reflect on their learning.

• Ask students:
  • “What new thing did you learn today?”
  • “Why is it important to know about money?”
• Quick quiz: Hold up a note or coin—students call out its value.
• Introduce a fun "Money Hunt" for next lesson—students will find different money amounts at home and bring examples to class.

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Assessment Opportunities

✔ Observing students during activities – are they identifying coins correctly?
✔ Questioning during partner work – do they understand different combinations?
✔ Checking independent work on money riddles – are they applying reasoning skills?

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Differentiation

Support (SEND & Lower Attainers)

• Use fewer coins with visual supports.
• Work in small groups for additional teacher-guided practice.
• Provide pre-made value strips with coin equivalents.

Challenge (Higher Attainers)

• Introduce mixed note and coin problems.
• Create "change" scenarios where students work out how much should be given back.
• Encourage solving complex sums without visual aids.

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Reflection for Next Lesson

• Did students confidently identify and count coins?
• Which students need further support with combinations?
• What real-world money applications can be introduced next (e.g., banknotes, change calculations)?

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Teacher’s WOW Factor
⭐ This lesson makes money relatable—using hands-on activities, real-life link scenarios, and a shopkeeper game encourages active participation.
⭐ Encourages independent thinking with problem-solving tasks like money riddles.
⭐ Differentiation ensures engagement across all levels of ability.

This lesson will leave students excited about money concepts while preparing them for real-life situations in handling cash! 🚀