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: Penny
Related Definition: Coin
Category: System Word
What this category means: System words explain how money is used and organized in the real world. They help children understand what money looks like, how it is counted, and how people use it to buy, save, or make change.
Definitions
In Simple Words
A penny is a small coin worth one cent.
It is the smallest value coin in U.S. money.
A Little More Grown-Up
A penny is a one-cent coin used in the United States. It is often used to make change and help people count and add up money.
Context Clues
You may see the word “penny” in Sammy Rabbit activities and lesson plans to help kids lear how to count coins and deepen their understanding of money.
Sammy Says
Sammy Says: “Every penny counts—small coins can add up when you save them!”
Money Habit Connection
Learning about pennies helps kids practice counting money, saving small amounts, and understanding that even tiny values matter.
Silly Sentence
My penny tried to hide under the couch, but I found it and saved the day!
Serious Sentence
When you save pennies, you are learning how small money can grow over time.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
A penny here, a penny there—I save them up with extra care!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
Each penny saved along the way helps my money grow each day.
Examples of Pennies
A penny found on the ground
Pennies saved in a piggy bank
Pennies used to make change
Pennies added together to make a dollar
Examples of What Is Not a Penny
Nickels, dimes, or quarters
Paper money (dollar bills)
Digital money
Related Money Words
Coin • Money • Save • Value • Piggy Bank
Opposite Money Words
Dollar • Large amounts
Questions Parents and Teachers Can Ask Kids
Ask your child or student:
“What could happen if you save one penny every day?”
Remember
A single penny may be small, but saving pennies can lead to something big.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
Want a FREE printable PDF of the complete Sammy Rabbit Kid-Friendly Money Dictionary? Contact us to learn how to get a copy for your home, classroom, or community.
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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