Coin Value Order

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify UK coins from 1p to £2
• Sort coins by their value from lowest to highest
• Use scissors and glue safely to cut and stick coins in order
• Colour UK coins using appropriate colours

Curriculum for Excellence Links

Mathematics – Early Level / First Level

• Number, Money and Measure
  • Recognise the value of coins and notes and use them in simple contexts (MNU 1-09a)
  • Compare, represent and sort objects using money and order by value (MTH 1-15a)
• Experiences and Outcomes:
  • Pupils develop understanding of money concepts through practical activities (MNU 0-09a / MNU 1-09a)
  • Develop fine motor skills through cutting and colouring activities (HWB 0-21a)

Success Criteria

• I can name coins from 1p to £2
• I can cut out pictures of coins carefully
• I can stick coins in the correct order on my scale
• I can colour coins using the correct colours
• I can explain which coin has the lowest or highest value

Resources

• Printed sheets with outlines/images of UK coins (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2) suitable for cutting and colouring
• Scissors and glue sticks
• Large printed or drawn scale template on A3 paper (left side labelled ‘Lowest Value’ and right ‘Highest Value’)
• Colouring pencils or crayons – appropriate colours for UK coins (e.g. copper for 1p & 2p, silver for 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, gold and silver for £1, £2)
• Example real coins or large visual models for tactile exploration
• Dyslexia-friendly printed instructions with clear visuals and simple language

Lesson Activities

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation / Support
0-5 mins	Introduction and Engagement	Show real or large replica coins, briefly explain values. Use ‘WALT’ and success criteria visual posters.	Use real coins for multi-sensory learning; verbal prompts for language support.
5-10 mins	Group discussion and identification	Class discussion about how they use coins with examples (buying snacks). Children name coins aloud.	Peer support; teacher models language and vocabulary.
10-15 mins	Cutting & colouring instructions	Teacher demonstrates cutting round coins from the sheets and colouring with correct shades.	Provide pre-cut coins for children with fine motor difficulties. Dyslexia-friendly instruction sheet.
15-30 mins	Sorting and sticking activity	Pupils cut out coins, then stick them on the large scale in order from 1p to £2. Colour after sticking.	Small group support; challenge advanced learners to explain why some coins have higher value and identify coin edges/shapes (e.g. 20p heptagon).
30-40 mins	Class reflection and sharing	Pupils share their sorted scales in pairs or small groups, explain order, teacher encourages use of full sentences.	Sentence starters provided for those with language needs.
40-45 mins	Assessment and plenary	Quick quiz / oral Q&A: “Which is the smallest coin?”, “What comes after 10p?”, “Can you tell me a coin that is silver?”	Use thumbs up/down, visual aids; alternative oral assessment.

Differentiation Strategies

• Support for Fine Motor Skills/Dyslexia: Pre-cut coins, larger visuals, multi-sensory (touch, look, speak)
• Language Support: Visual word mats with coin names and values, sentence starters for discussion
• Advanced Learners: Extension task to find UK coins in their everyday lives or role-play small shop activity using play money
• Groupings: Mixed ability pairs or small groups for peer support

Extension Activities

• Coin Shape Hunt: Pupils explore coins’ shapes (round, heptagon) and sort by shape as well as value
• Play Shop Role-Play: Use real or play coins in a shop scenario to ‘buy’ items, reinforcing coin value knowledge in context
• Create Your Own Coin: Pupils design a new coin worth £5, drawing and colouring it, describing its features and value

Dyslexia-Friendly Tips

• Use large font, clear spacing on worksheets
• Include lots of images and icons alongside text instructions
• Read instructions aloud and check understanding regularly
• Use colour coding on coins and instructions to help memory and recognition

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This lesson brings practical money skills alive with hands-on sorting, cutting, and colouring activities that promote key numeracy and fine motor skills aligned to Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. It encourages language development and offers flexible approaches to support all learners while stretching more confident pupils.