Need help learning about money honey? Before your next economics lesson, grab One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent by Bonnie Worth & illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu to learn all about money!
THE CAT IN the Hat puts to rest any notion that money grows on trees in this super simple look at numismatics, the study of money and its history. Beginning with the ancient practice of bartering, the Cat explains various forms of money used in different cultures, from shells, feathers, leather, and jade to metal ingots to coins (including the smallest€”the BB-like Indian fanam€”and the largest€”the 8-foot-wide, ship-sinking limestone ones from the Islands of Yap!), to the current king of currency, paper. Also included is a look at banking, from the use of temples as the first banks to the concept of gaining or paying interest, and a step-by-step guide to minting coins. Ashworth (2008) writes, “Seashells were used to barter and trade. A handful of shells and you had it made”(pg 11). A fascinating introduction is bound to change your young reader’s appreciation for change!
Curriculum Connections
In the area of economics, the Virginia History and Social Studies SOL’s for grades K-3 stresses the importance of understanding basic economic concepts. One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent is appropriate for multiple grade levels and could be used to directly address SOL’s K.7b, 1.9, and 2.8.
If you would like to create some dollar sense in your classroom and find out more about the basics of economics, here are a few suggestions for grades K-3:
- Read the story aloud with the students and talk about what is going on in each picture. Ask questions throughout the story.
- Plan a trip to the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, VA – Call the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Va to request a tour for your class. You can also request a Fed Speaker for your classroom. Contact Lisa Turner @ 804-697-8135.
- Junior Achievement – Request a speaker from Junior Achievement Achievement of Central, Va. Professionals from all economic fields all over Virginia volunteer their time in classrooms by helping to educate students on all areas of economics. You must submit an application through their website: www.jatoday.org or use the above link which takes you directly to the application.
Additional Resources
Try these websites where you’ll find lesson plans, worksheets, activities and free online games to aid in your economic education quest.
- Lizardpoint– a link that takes you directly to a free online game for kids called “Buy it with little farmer”
- hbschool.com – a link that takes you directly to a free online game that teaches kids about money
- pppst.com – a website all about economics. Gives free PowerPoint presentations for teachers and games for kids
- Federal Reserve Publications– free economics comic books for teachers provided by the federal reserve
- aplusmath.com – an online interactive money system for teachers where you can create your very own worksheets
Book: One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent
Author: Bonnie Worth
Illustrator: Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 45 pages
Grade Range: K-3
ISBN-13: 978-0375828812