Making Change at MathDonalds

Today we visited "MathDonalds" and learned how to make change by counting up from the cost of an item to the amount tendered (up to $1.00 or "100 cents"). First, students picked an item from "MathDonalds" and located the price (Crispy Chicken Sandwich...$0.55). Next, they looked at the amount of money they had to pay with ($1.00). Finally, they counting up from the amount the item cost to the amount they paid to figure out the change they would receive (Start at $0.55, Stop at $1.00...Change = $0.45).  They loved visiting "MathDonalds" and most students choose to buy ice cream when it was time to pick their own item :).  I will continue to use this strategy in math centers going forward.  Please continue to practice counting all mixed coins and making change by counting up at home!