NCERT Joyful Mathematics, Class 1, textbook pages 115–119
How to teach Class 1 Maths Chapter 12, How Much Can We Spend?, at home
Coins and notes, taught with things you already have at home: a 10-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.
NCERT Class 1 Maths Chapter 12 How Much Can We Spend?: what it teaches
Children learn to read the value on Indian coins and notes, make the same amount in different ways, and work out how much more money is needed.
Why it matters later. Money makes numbers real and practical. Making the same amount in different ways is addition practice in disguise, and working out what is still needed is early subtraction.
See it: this chapter in pictures
You need
- real ₹1, ₹2, ₹5 and ₹10 coins
- ₹10 and ₹20 notes (or paper ones)
- toys with price tags
Tonight’s 10 minutes
- Sort the coins by the number printed on them, not by size.
- Set up a home shop with price tags from ₹2 to ₹20. Take turns being shopkeeper.
- Ask “How many ways can you make ₹10?” (₹5 + ₹5, ₹2 + ₹2 + ₹5 + ₹1, a ₹10 coin…)
- Give your child ₹10 for a ₹14 toy. How much more do they need?
Words to use
- rupees
- costs
- pay
- how much more
- change
- save
Watch for
- Thinking more coins means more money. Put five ₹1 coins next to one ₹10 coin and ask which buys more.
- Judging a coin by its size. Point to the number on the coin every time.
What it sounds like at home
A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.
YouThis car costs ₹14. You have a ₹10 coin. Is it enough?
Your childNo.
YouHow much more do you need?
Your child11, 12, 13, 14… ₹4 more.
YouWhich coins could you use for ₹4?
Your childTwo ₹2 coins.
A game for this week: Home shop
- Put price tags from ₹2 to ₹20 on toys or snacks.
- Give your child a small purse of coins and notes.
- They buy things and you check the money together.
- Swap roles and let your child be shopkeeper and give change.
A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day
- Day 1Sort coins by the number on them.
- Day 2Make ₹10 in as many ways as possible.
- Day 3Home shop game.
- Day 4How much more do I need?
- Day 5Start a small gullak (piggy bank) and count it weekly.
Everyday moments to practise
- Paying at a shop and checking change.
- Counting a gullak (piggy bank) each Sunday.
- Choosing what to buy with ₹20.
- Reading prices on packets.
Quick check
Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.
₹5 + ₹5 + ₹2 is?
₹12.
How many ₹5 coins make ₹20?
4.
A car costs ₹14. You have ₹10. How much more?
₹4.
Ready for the next chapter when your child…
- Reads the value of ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10, ₹20 coins and notes.
- Makes an amount up to ₹20 in two ways.
- Works out how much more is needed for a price.
Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Joyful Mathematics (Class 1). See the full Class 1 parent guide for every chapter.
Questions parents ask
What money topics are in Class 1 NCERT maths?
Recognising coins and notes up to ₹100, making amounts in different combinations, and simple how-much-more questions.
My child thinks five ₹1 coins are more than one ₹10 coin. What do I do?
Put them side by side and ask which buys more. Always point to the number printed on each coin.
Should I let my child handle real coins?
Yes, with supervision. Real coins are easier to learn than pictures.