One form of coin equivalency is the ability to realize that the coins, written coin values and the prices of objects can all equal the same information. One game to play with Kindergartners is the game of store. Give the children an assortment of pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters. Set up a store with the prices of objects written next to each object. The children must sort through the change to find the correct coins to purchase each item.
One fun game to learn coin equivalency is by singing the coin value song. Sing this song to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell. Have the children sing, "a penny equals one, a nickel equals five, a dime is worth 10, and a quarter is 25." Have the children tap the appropriate coin with their fingers. Later, you can have the children touch the correct number on a piece of paper when you hold up the coin.
If students have access to a computer with Internet, there are several equivalency games that children can play online. One benefit of an online game is that children learn math and computer skills at the same time. SoftSchools.com has a game called Equivalent Coins, where a dime, quarter, nickel or penny is shown at the top of the screen. The children must drag the equivalent number of coins into the box belonging to the coin to create the same coin value.
Create worksheets using pictures of coins and written numbers. Have the children add the value of the coins, then write the appropriate number into a box next to the coins. You can also make a similar game to Equivalent Coins by printing the value of one coin onto a piece of paper. Give the students real money. Have the students place the coins next to the printed coin that equal the same value.