Carnival Cash Money Game is an exciting, hands-on board game that supports students in developing real-world money skills. Designed to be played in small groups, this interactive activity encourages budgeting, collaboration, and multiple representations of money values in a fun, carnival-themed setting.

With two engaging game modes to choose from, students will enjoy practising money calculations while applying strategic thinking and reinforcing their understanding of Australian currency. This resource is perfect for whole-class maths rotations, small group stations, or independent enrichment tasks.

Carnival Cash Money Game is designed to be flexible and reusable. With simple preparation and options for differentiation, this game will quickly become a favourite in your maths toolkit!

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Practise recognising and using Australian coins and notes
• ✅ Represent money amounts in multiple ways
• ✅ Develop budgeting skills by tracking expenses
• ✅ Strengthen mental maths and money problem-solving strategies
• ✅ Work collaboratively while applying mathematical reasoning

What’s Included:

• Printable spinner template
• Playing cards sorted into categories
• Recording sheets for tracking expenses and money representations
• Instructions for two gameplay modes

Materials Needed:

• Printed game components (cards, spinner, recording sheets)
• Paper clips or plastic spinner for the wheel
• Pencils or whiteboard markers
• Play money or printable coins/notes (optional)
• Write-and-wipe sleeves (recommended for recording sheets)
• Timer (for Time Trial mode)

How to Use:

1. Print and cut out the game materials. Prepare the spinner and stack the playing cards.
2. Assign each student a recording sheet and review how to represent amounts in two ways.
3. Choose a game mode:
   • Budget Boss: Each player starts with a set amount (e.g. $10). On their turn, students spin the wheel, draw a card, record the cost, represent the amount in two ways, and deduct it from their budget. The last player able to make a purchase wins.
   • Time Trial: Players race against the clock to complete as many money representation challenges as they can. Points are awarded for accuracy. Highest score wins!
4. Play in small groups, rotating players and encouraging discussion around strategies.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Add to your maths rotations as a money-focused station
• 💡 Use as an end-of-unit consolidation game on financial maths
• 💡 Challenge fast finishers with advanced versions of the game
• 💡 Create a “Carnival Corner” where students can run the game independently

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print game cards and spinners on coloured cardstock for durability
• 💛 Laminate or use write-and-wipe sleeves for recording sheets to reuse each year
• 💛 Introduce with a teacher-led model session before making it a station activity
• 💛 Support diverse learners with real coins and notes or scaffolding prompts

Carnival Cash Money Game is a vibrant and purposeful way to build money confidence in your classroom while making maths meaningful, collaborative and fun!