Christmas Money Tree 1p-10p Scaffold - Practical Maths Activity

The Christmas Money Tree activity is an engaging practical maths task designed to help children identify and match different coin values to specific amounts. The exercise starts with a simple challenge where children must find a 1p coin to match the amount shown on an illustrated present. This task encourages learners to recognise and understand the value of the smallest denomination of British currency, the penny. As the activity progresses, the amounts on the presents increase incrementally from 1p to 10p, requiring the children to combine coins to reach the desired total.

With each new amount, from 2p to 10p, students are prompted to think critically about the different combinations of coins that can be used to achieve the target sum. This scaffolded approach gradually builds their confidence in handling money and enhances their ability to perform basic addition. By the time they reach the 10p challenge, the children will have explored various ways to make amounts using the coins available to them, such as combining two 5p coins or using a combination of smaller denominations. This hands-on activity not only aids in developing their numerical skills but also familiarises them with practical money management at an early age.