As the U.S. Penny Phases Out, Author of A Penny In My Pocket Shares Why Teaching Kids Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever

With the U.S. penny officially being phased out, families and educators everywhere are feeling a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty. For many of us, the penny wasn’t just a coin—

it was a child’s first introduction to saving, giving, and the value of money.

As the author of A Penny In My Pocket, a financial literacy picture book for kids, C.M. Harris sees this national change as a decisive teaching moment.

And the lesson is bigger than the penny.

It’s about helping kids understand money, build confidence, and prepare them for a world where financial literacy is essential.

The Penny Was Often a Child’s First Lesson

For generations, children collected pennies in jars, piggy banks, and classroom reward cups. They counted them, saved them, rolled them, and donated them.

The penny made money understandable.

Losing it means we need new ways to help children grasp:

• the value of coins and cash

• smart spending choices

• saving for goals

• giving to others

• the difference between “want” and “need”

As Harris explains:

"Children learn through what they can see and touch. The penny sparked curiosity. Without it, we must be intentional about making financial literacy hands-on, visual, and fun.”

How A Penny In My Pocket Helps Children Build Smart Money Habits

A Penny In My Pocket was written to introduce kids to saving, spending, sharing, and gratitude in simple, meaningful ways.

Now, with the penny disappearing nationwide, the book offers even more value by:

• creating an easy opening for conversations about money

• helping families discuss why coins change over time

• teaching generosity and compassion (a core theme of the book)

• empowering kids to take pride in saving

• making financial learning accessible to early readers

It’s a story that blends financial literacy with emotional literacy, showing kids how money can be used to help others and reach personal goals.

Why Teachers Should Use This Moment in Their Classrooms

As educators prepare for a shift in U.S. currency, this is an ideal time to introduce:

• money sorting activities

• classroom store or token systems

• lessons on the history of U.S. money

• conversations about inflation and value

• real-world math skills

Teachers can pair A Penny In My Pocket with:

• counting exercises

• writing prompts (“What would you save for?”)

• classroom giving projects

• coin identification practice (even if pennies are discontinued)

Kids become excited about money when they understand how it works—and how it can help others.

Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever

Today’s children will grow up in a world of:

• digital wallets

• contactless payments

• virtual currency

• rising costs

• shrinking cash usage

But money habits begin early—often before age 7.

By teaching financial literacy while children are young, we give them:

• confidence

• independence

• critical thinking skills

• generosity

• responsibility

As Harris notes:

“The penny may disappear, but the lessons it taught us should never disappear. Kids deserve to grow up understanding money—not fearing it.”

The Perfect Time to Start the Conversation

With the penny making headlines, kids are naturally curious:

“Where did it go?”

“Why are we getting rid of it?”

“What happens to my pennies now?”

A Penny In My Pocket gives families and classrooms a joyful, accessible way to help answer those questions by sharing the value while teaching lifelong skills.

Because the penny may be gone…

but the opportunity to teach children the power of saving, kindness, and money smarts is only getting stronger.

Add A Penny In My Pocket to Your Home or Classroom

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and PurpleDiamondPress.com.

Perfect for ages 4–9, math centers, SEL lessons, and family reading time.