Canadian Coins: Loonies, Toonies, and Making a Dollar!

Math Grades 1st Grade 6:54 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about Canadian money! We'll explore loonies ($1 coins) and toonies ($2 coins), and discover different ways to make a dollar using dimes, nickels, and quarters.

Video Resource

Grade 1: Saxon Math Lesson #111 Identifying One Dollar (Loonies & Toonies) Canadian

The Eagle's Nest - Our Online Classroom

Duration: 6:54
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Key Concepts

  • Identifying Canadian coins (loonies and toonies)
  • Understanding the value of loonies ($1) and toonies ($2)
  • Recognizing different coin combinations that equal one dollar (dimes, nickels, quarters)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify loonies and toonies.
  • Students will be able to state the value of a loonie and a toonie.
  • Students will be able to identify different coin combinations that make one dollar.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the video. Ask students if they have seen loonies and toonies before. Discuss what they know about these coins.
  • Exploring Loonies and Toonies (10 mins)
    Show pictures of loonies and toonies. Point out the loon on the loonie and the polar bear on the toonie. Discuss the value of each coin ($1 and $2 respectively). Talk about the Queen on the other side.
  • Making a Dollar (15 mins)
    Review that 100 cents equals $1. Use visuals (pictures or real coins) to demonstrate how many dimes, nickels, and quarters are needed to make a dollar. For example, show 10 dimes, 20 nickels, and 4 quarters. Count the value of each coin combination together as a class.
  • Practice and Play (10 mins)
    Have students practice counting out different coin combinations to reach one dollar. You can create a 'store' scenario where students 'buy' items and need to pay with the correct amount.

Interactive Exercises

  • Coin Sorting
    Provide a mixed bag of coins (pictures or real). Have students sort the coins into groups of loonies, toonies, dimes, nickels, and quarters.
  • Dollar Builder
    Give each student a worksheet with a dollar amount ($1.00). Have them draw different combinations of coins that equal that amount. For example, they could draw 4 quarters, or 10 dimes, or a combination of dimes, nickels and pennies (if you want to extend the lesson.)

Discussion Questions

  • What is the difference between a loonie and a toonie?
  • What is on the back of a loonie?
  • What is on the back of a toonie?
  • How many dimes do you need to make one dollar?
  • How many nickels do you need to make one dollar?
  • How many quarters do you need to make one dollar?

Skills Developed

  • Coin identification
  • Counting money
  • Problem-solving
  • Fine motor skills (if using real coins)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is a Canadian one dollar coin called?

Correct Answer: A loonie

Question 2:

What animal is on the back of a toonie?

Correct Answer: A polar bear

Question 3:

How much is a loonie worth?

Correct Answer: One dollar

Question 4:

How much is a toonie worth?

Correct Answer: Two dollars

Question 5:

How many quarters do you need to make one dollar?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 6:

How many dimes do you need to make one dollar?

Correct Answer: 10

Question 7:

How many nickels do you need to make one dollar?

Correct Answer: 20

Question 8:

Which coin has a picture of a loon on it?

Correct Answer: A loonie

Question 9:

What is another name for one dollar?

Correct Answer: 100 cents

Question 10:

Which of these coins is worth the MOST?

Correct Answer: A quarter

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A one dollar coin in Canada is called a __________.

Correct Answer: Loonie

Question 2:

A two dollar coin in Canada is called a __________.

Correct Answer: Toonie

Question 3:

There is a _________ on the back of a loonie.

Correct Answer: Loon

Question 4:

There is a ___________ on the back of a toonie.

Correct Answer: Polar Bear

Question 5:

One dollar is the same as __________ cents.

Correct Answer: 100

Question 6:

You need ________ quarters to make one dollar.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 7:

You need ________ dimes to make one dollar.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 8:

You need _________ nickels to make one dollar.

Correct Answer: 20

Question 9:

Queen Elizabeth II is on the other side of a loonie and a ________.

Correct Answer: Toonie

Question 10:

If you have two toonies, you have ________ dollars.

Correct Answer: 4

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4:Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another. CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.2:Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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