Differentiated Spelling and Math Center Activity – Money Math

This no-prep, differentiated, math and spelling center activity will be an immediate hit when added to your literacy and math rotations. Using a list of your own words, students will spell words and calculate their total values using both U.S. coins and bills. This resource includes the following three versions of the money key from which you can choose.

• Money key using pennies, nickels, and dimes only
• Money key using pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters
• Money key using all coins, as well as U.S. dollar bills

Add this activity to your math or literacy station rotation with only a few copies. Print the copy of the money key that you prefer and student copies of the recording sheet. Place them in a center, and you are ready to go! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided reading groups 
• Math and spelling review activities
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review

For advanced learners, 

• Assign a more advanced spelling list or change the coin amounts given by editing the Google Slides version of the document.
• Have students start with a given amount of money and have them subtract each word’s value from the total.
• Remove coins from the editable slides version and replace them with bills.

For struggling learners,

• Have students work with partners.
• Provide a calculator for calculating the total value of each word.
• Provide a modified or simplified spelling list.
• Change the money amounts on the editable version to include smaller denominations.

Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the Color PDF, Black and White PDF, or Google Slides version of this resource. 

To save paper, we suggest printing the recording sheet double-sided. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time: