Learning the Value of Money

For first-grade students at Premm Learning Center, math is coming to life through fun, hands-on lessons centered on financial literacy.

Students practiced identifying pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, learning the value of each and how to add them together to reach a total. They also completed an activity that challenged them to determine which coins they would need, and how many, to make amounts such as 2 cents, 6 cents and 15 cents. The lesson is part of the school’s yearlong “Teach Town” curriculum and helps students build real-world skills aligned with New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate learning framework.

Teacher Jennifer Morsello said the lesson gives students a foundation they will continue building on throughout the school year.

“We’re starting with identifying coins and understanding their values, and then we’ll build on those skills by having students practice buying items in a store and making real-life decisions with money,” she said. “These are important skills that connect directly to helping students become more independent and financially knowledgeable.”

While the younger students are starting with the basics, financial know-how is a valuable skill at any age. Learning how to manage money, make informed choices and navigate everyday financial situations helps students build independence and develop skills they can carry with them well beyond the classroom.