NOTE to parents, teachers, and educators of every kind:
Use this definition as a simple, kid-friendly teaching tool. Click this link to view the full index of current money terms and definitions, and learn how to use the Sammy Rabbit dictionary to support teaching and learning.
Word and Category
Word: Change
Related Definition: Coins
Category: System Word
What this category means:
System words explain how money is used and organized in the real world. They help children understand how money is paid, counted, and returned during purchases.
Definitions
In Simple Words
Change is the money you get back after you pay for something.
Change is usually made up of coins or smaller bills.
A Little More Grown-Up
Change is the amount of money returned to a person when they pay more than the cost of an item. It helps make sure payments are fair and accurate.
Context Clues
You may see the word “change” in Sammy Rabbit stories and activities when kids are paying for items, counting coins, or checking that they received the correct money back.
Sammy Says Sentences
Sammy Says: “Always count your change to make sure it’s just right!”
Silly Sentence
My change jumped out of my pocket and tried to roll away together.
Serious Sentence
Getting the correct change helps make sure a purchase is fair.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
My change went clink, then clank, then flew right to my piggy bank!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
I count my change both slow and strange, to make sure numbers never change.
Money Habit Sentences and Connection
Money Habit Sentences:
Not counting your change can lead to a bad money habit. Counting your change every time can lead to a good money habit.
Share with kids:
Learning about change helps kids practice counting, check their math, and build careful money habits.
Examples of Change
Coins given back after a purchase
Money returned when you pay with a larger bill
Coins received at a store or vending machine
Change saved in a pocket or jar
Examples of What Is Not Change
The total price of an item
Money you still owe
Digital money on a card or app
Related Money Words
Coins • Cash • Dollar • Price • Pay
Opposite Money Words
Exact payment • No change
Questions for Kids
Ask your child or student: “When was the last time you received change, and what coins did you get?”
Remember
Change is money that comes back to you, and counting it helps you build smart money habits.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
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Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com, starting with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
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