Grade 2 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Understanding Money

Materials Needed:
– Plastic coins and notes (South African Rand)
– Worksheet with pictures of items and their prices
– Whiteboard and markers
– Visual aids (posters of notes and coins)
– Tablets/computers with internet access (optional for interactive games)
– Toy cash register (optional)


Learning Objectives:
– Identify and name South African coins and notes.
– Understand the value of different denominations of money.
– Count money to make up a given amount.
– Solve simple problems involving money, such as total cost and change.


Vocabulary:
1. Coin: A small, round piece of metal used as money.
2. Note: A piece of paper money.
3. Denomination: The value of a particular coin or note.
4. Total: The complete amount.
5. Change: Money returned after a purchase when the amount given exceeds the cost.


Previous Learning:
Students have learned about basic numbers and counting. They are familiar with addition and subtraction of small numbers.


Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
1. Difficulty in identifying coins and notes: Use visual aids and real-life examples to help students.
2. Struggling with making exact amounts: Provide hands-on practice with plastic coins and notes.
3. Understanding the concept of change: Use a toy cash register and role-playing to demonstrate buying and selling.


Beginning Activities:
(4 minutes)

  1. Introduction to Objectives (2 minutes):
  2. Explain the goal of the lesson: to learn about South African money.
  3. Show pictures of coins and notes and explain their values.
  4. Activating Prior Knowledge (2 minutes):
  5. Ask if anyone has ever bought something with coins or notes.
  6. Share a short anecdote about making a purchase.

Middle Activities:
(32 minutes)

  1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
  2. Show real or plastic coins and notes.
  3. Teach students the names and values of each coin and note using visual aids.
  4. Demonstrate how to count different coins to make a total amount.
  5. Guided Practice (12 minutes):
  6. Distribute plastic coins and notes to pairs of students.
  7. Call out different amounts, and have students count out the correct sum using their coins and notes.
  8. Walk around to monitor and assist where necessary.
  9. Independent Practice (10 minutes):
  10. Hand out worksheets with pictures of items and their prices.
  11. Ask students to draw the coins and notes they would use to buy each item.
  12. Alternatively, use tablets/computers for an interactive money-counting game.

End Activities:
(4 minutes)

  1. Exit Ticket (4 minutes):
  2. Ask students to write down or share one thing they learned about money.
  3. Check answers to ensure understanding and correct any misconceptions.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
1. Observational Assessment: During guided practice, observe students’ ability to identify and count money correctly.
2. Worksheet Assessment: Review completed worksheets for accuracy in counting and using the right denominations.
3. Exit Ticket: Evaluate students’ written or spoken responses for comprehension of the lesson’s key concepts.


Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
Scaffolding: Provide visual aids and step-by-step instructions for counting money.
Extension Activities: Give advanced students word problems involving larger amounts of money or more complex transactions.
Interactive Games: Use digital resources for students who benefit from interactive and engaging learning tools.


Teaching Notes:
– Ensure all materials are accessible for students with disabilities, such as large print for visual impairments.
– Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation and effort.
– Consider incorporating cultural context by discussing how money is used daily in South Africa.
– For students with motor skill challenges, consider larger, easier-to-handle coins and notes.


This lesson plan aims to provide Grade 2 students with a foundational understanding of money, preparing them for more complex mathematical concepts related to everyday financial literacy.