Materials
play money (or colored strips of paper)
things to buy or do (stickers, gum, small toys, pencils, erasers, snacks, play a
game, blow bubbles)
"supermarket" centers (decorated tables)
cashiers (aides, family members, or children)
poster board
shopping bags
Instructions
* Create 5 to 10 "supermarket" centers. Place available items in each center,
along with a price list hung on the wall beside each one (written on poster
board).
What to Do
1. Explain to the children that they will be going shopping. Point out the
supermarkets and businesses around the room.
2. Show the children the play money. Count the money with the children.
3. Demonstrate how to purchase these items and activities (for example, one
red = a stick of gum, two blues = a minute to blow bubbles).
4. Hand out the money and shopping bags to the children. Invite them to use
their money in any way they choose.
5. Suggest to the children that they walk around first, exploring all of their
options. Explain that there may be identical items in two different stores, one
of which may be less expensive.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
* Do the children understand the concept of many?
* Was it hard for the children to look around first before buying something?
