Shopping is a fun experience for young children. They get sensory and social stimulation while learning about money.
There are many benefits to teaching children about shopping. Children learn life skills that align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), including problem solving, researching (4.2), using technology, literacy, and numeracy (5).
Shopping connects children to people and places (4.4) and can help them feel a sense of belonging to their community (2.1).
Learning experiences
Play a memory game
- One child says, "I went to the shops and bought…"
- The child finishes the sentence by listing a few things they bought (e.g. "an apple, a toy car, and a dress").
- Another child attempts to remember all the items.
Learn about money
Real money can be fascinating to young children. Let them observe and handle real notes and coins. Use their observations as a starting point for new investigations.
Brainstorm sustainable shopping practices
If your children are interested in shopping, this is an excellent opportunity to teach them about sustainability. Explain that our choices at the shops can impact the world we live in.
- Bring reusable bags.
- Buy eco-friendly products.
- Only purchase what you need.
- Reduce single-use plastics.
- Shop at a second-hand store.
- Think before you buy.
Learning environments
Add shopping items to your home corner
Children who are interested in shopping will love relevant items added to their home corner area. Educators may choose to expand this area to fit in an entire shop. Provide children with:
- reusable shopping bags
- packaging of grocery products
- pretend money
- wallets and purses.
Resources
Picture books
Off to the Market by Alice Oehr