You’ve probably heard it. That upbeat, slightly synthesized rhythm coming from a classroom down the hall or your own living room TV. If you’re a parent or a teacher, the Jack Hartmann money song—specifically "The Money Song" or "Show Me the Money"—is likely a permanent resident in your mental jukebox. Honestly, there’s something about the way he breaks down the difference between a nickel and a dime that just sticks.
It isn't just luck. Jack Hartmann has been doing this since the 1980s, and he’s basically the undisputed king of "brain breaks" and educational earworms. With a background in child psychology, he knows exactly how to hook a five-year-old’s attention.
The Secret Sauce of the Jack Hartmann Money Song
Why does it work? Most kids struggle with money because, let’s face it, the sizes don't make sense. Why is a tiny dime worth more than a chunky nickel? It’s confusing. Hartmann’s songs like "Money in My Pocket" tackle this head-on by using repetition that feels more like a pop song than a math lesson.
The lyrics are simple but tactical:
- "Penny, nickel, dime, quarter... Let's learn!"
- "A penny is worth 1 cent. A nickel is worth 5 cents."
He uses a "call and response" style. He says the name; the kids shout the value. It’s active. It keeps them from zoning out while they stare at a worksheet. In "Show Me the Money," he even adds a physical component where kids have to "show" the coin as quick as a bunny. Movement is key for early childhood learning, and Hartmann leans into that hard.
It's Not Just About U.S. Dollars
One thing that surprises people is the variety. Hartmann didn't just stop at the U.S. penny. He’s got a Canadian version of the Jack Hartmann money song that covers loonies and toonies. If you’re in Toronto or Vancouver, he’s got you covered. This inclusivity is part of why his YouTube channel, which has over 5 million subscribers, is a global classroom staple.
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Teachers love it because it fills those awkward 5-minute gaps. Transitioning from lunch to math? Throw on Jack. Need to burn off some "wiggles" before a test? Jack’s your guy.
The Guy Behind the Glasses
Jack Hartmann isn't just a guy with a green screen. He’s a former social worker with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. He started his career working with autistic children and delinquent youth. That experience gave him a deep understanding of how rhythm and music can bypass traditional learning barriers.
He and his wife, Lisa, a former kindergarten teacher, run their studio together. It’s a family business focused on one thing: making sure kids don’t hate learning. When you see him dancing on screen, it might look a little "dad-core," but every move is researched. The beats are designed to match the natural heart rate of an excited child.
Real Classroom Results
I talked to a few kindergarten teachers who swear by his method. One told me that before using the Jack Hartmann money song, her students would constantly mix up nickels and quarters. After a week of "Money in My Pocket" on repeat, the rhythm helped them categorize the coins by silver color and size.
"It's the repetition," says Sarah, a first-grade teacher. "They don't realize they're memorizing financial literacy. They think they're just doing a dance break."
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Common Misconceptions
Some people think these songs are just "noise" to keep kids busy. That’s a mistake. The songs are aligned with Common Core standards. When he sings about how many pennies make a dollar (100, if you're keeping track), he’s hitting specific educational benchmarks that schools are required to teach.
Another weird myth? That he’s just a "YouTube guy." Nope. He has over 1,500 songs across dozens of albums. He was doing this on cassettes and CDs long before the first YouTube video was ever uploaded.
How to Use These Songs at Home
If you're a parent trying to teach your kid about money, don't just play the video and walk away. Get some actual coins.
- Play the song. 2. Have a pile of real change on the table. 3. Ask them to hold up the coin Jack is singing about. 4. Count along.
The tactile feel of a cold, metal coin combined with the catchy beat of the Jack Hartmann money song creates a multi-sensory experience. That’s how the information moves from short-term memory to long-term "I’ll never forget this" knowledge.
The Lasting Impact of Educational Music
We often forget how much music shapes our early brains. You probably still remember the "Alphabet Song" or "Schoolhouse Rock." For the current generation, Jack Hartmann is that touchstone.
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His songs provide a foundation for financial literacy. If a child understands that 10 dimes make a dollar before they hit second grade, they're already ahead of the curve. It’s about more than just coins; it’s about confidence. When a kid "gets" the song, they feel smart. That confidence carries over into harder math later on.
What to Listen to Next
If you've exhausted the money songs, Hartmann has plenty of other hits. "Count to 100" is a massive favorite, often used for the 100th Day of School celebrations. His "Letter Sounds" song is also a heavy hitter for kids learning to read.
To get the most out of these tools, try rotating them. Don't play the money song every single day or they'll get bored. Save it for "Money Mondays" or use it as a reward for finishing chores.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Educators:
- Print out "Coin Mats": Use visuals that match the coins shown in the video.
- Create a "Store": Let your child use their knowledge to "buy" snacks using the values they learned from the song.
- Mix Versions: Switch between the standard version and the ASL (American Sign Language) version to add another layer of learning.
- Check the Lyrics: Sometimes kids mishear "nickel" or "dime." Follow along with the captions to ensure they are saying the words correctly.
Hartmann’s work proves that you don't need a high-budget CGI production to teach. You just need a good beat, a clear message, and a genuine desire to help kids grow. It’s simple, it’s catchy, and honestly, it’s kind of a vibe.
Next Steps:
Go grab a handful of change and sit down with your child to watch the "Show Me the Money" video. Challenge them to see if they can sort the coins faster than Jack can sing the names. Once they’ve mastered the 1-cent and 5-cent basics, you can move on to his "How Many Coins Make a Dollar?" video to level up their math skills.