Pounds and pence

Pounds and pence: what children learn

Year 2 pupils learn to use the symbols £ and p, and to find different combinations of coins that make the same amount. There are many ways to make 20p: two 10p coins, a 10p and two 5p coins, or four 5p coins.

In this game children add up groups of coins and sort each group by the total it makes: 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 or £2. Some groups mix pounds and pence, so children practise the fact that 100p is the same as £1.

This topic covers the Year 2 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Measurement): pupils should be taught to “recognise and use symbols for pounds (£) and pence (p); combine amounts to make a particular value”. Year 2 pupils are usually aged 6–7.

For families following US standards, the closest Common Core standard is 2.MD.C.8, which is taught in Grade 2.

How to play

Sort the cards into the right groups. Tap a card, then its group. You can also drag a card, or press the number on its group. Each game has 3 rounds with no timer. Every card is checked as soon as you place it: a card in the wrong group comes back with a hint, and you get a point for each card you place right first time. For a quicker go, choose Quick quiz: 10 multiple-choice questions in 150 seconds (choose Relaxed for more time).

Step by step

1. Start with the biggest coin. Begin with the coin worth the most, then count on. For 20p + 10p + 5p + 5p, say 20, 30, 35, 40.
2. Look for pairs that make 10. 5p + 5p, 2p + 2p + 2p + 2p + 2p, or 5p + 2p + 2p + 1p all make 10p. Spotting them makes adding quicker.
3. 100p makes £1. When the total reaches 100p, it is £1. Two 50p coins, five 20p coins or ten 10p coins all make £1.
4. Write it with the right symbol. Use p for pence and £ for pounds, but never both at once: write 50p or £2, not £2p.

Worked examples

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Counting the number of coins instead of their value, so three coins is called 3p. Say the value of each coin as you touch it, then count on.
• Writing 100p as £100. 100 pence is 1 pound. Line up ten 10p coins next to a £1 coin to show they are worth the same.
• Starting with the smallest coins and losing count. Put the coins in order, biggest first, before adding.

Activities to try at home

• Give your child a handful of coins and ask them to make 50p in two different ways.
• Let them pay for something small in a shop and check the change together.
• Play shops at home with price labels up to £2.

Ideas for the classroom

• Pupils find as many ways as they can to make 20p with real or plastic coins.
• Run a class shop where every item costs 10p, 20p, 50p or £1.
• Give a set of coins and ask: is this enough to buy a 50p toy?

Free printable game and worksheet

The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.

Open the free printable game and worksheet

Frequently asked questions

Related topics

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Back to Year 2 maths