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Maths · Years 2-3
How can I teach children to calculate totals and change?
Use a small set of prices, model combining amounts and check change against the amount paid. A classroom shop gives a concrete setting for explaining the calculation.
Download: The classroom shop
A4 PDF · 2 pages · free · no sign-up
Print page 1 for the activity and keep page 2 for teaching notes and answers or suggested responses.
Use A4 paper at 100% or Actual size. Choose by the task and your class; the suggested range is a starting point, not a curriculum-alignment claim.
How to use this resource
- Read the prices and name the money units.
- Use coins, drawings or a number line to calculate one total.
- Work out change and check that cost plus change equals the amount paid.
Make it easier or add challenge
More support
Choose two low-cost items and use real or replica coins to build the amounts.
More challenge
Find more than one purchase within a budget and compare the change for each.
What to look for
Can the child distinguish a total from change and check the result? Use the currency shown in the local edition.
Teacher answers and suggested responses
1. 75p.
2. 60p.
3. 100p = £1.
4. 60p.
5. Yes, exactly 80p.
6. 25p.
A useful next step
Printing, access and sharing
Allow drawing, discussion, practical materials or usual communication tools where they support the learning aim. Use separate paper if a child needs more writing or drawing space.
Free to print and copy within your school, setting or family. Retain the website credit and share this resource page with other settings.