Ashwin and Eli played Shops, creating a shop from toys and random items we have around the home. They decided on the prices of items, wrote and attached price tags to each item, then displayed them on a table. We took turns playing the customer and shop keeper, purchasing the items and working out how much change to give with real money.

Math

• Understanding of numbers and counting through attaching price tags to each item and working out how much change to give with real money.
• Developing addition and subtraction skills by calculating the total cost of items and figuring out the change to give.
• Practicing measurement concepts (e.g., comparing sizes and weights of items) through setting the prices and discerning value.
• Introduction to basic financial concepts and money management through the role-playing of being a shopkeeper and a customer.

Encourage continued development by incorporating more complex scenarios, introducing sales discounts or multiple items' transactions for the math activity. Additionally, use play money and create different scenarios to deepen understanding of real-life financial situations.

Book Recommendations

• Corduroy by Don Freeman: A heartwarming tale about a teddy bear's adventures in a department store, perfect for learning about shops and the joy of purchasing items.
• The Berenstain Bears and Mama's New Job by Stan and Jan Berenstain: This story covers the subject of earning and spending money in an engaging way for kids.
• Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory by H.A. Rey: Follow George as he explores a chocolate factory and learn about how products are priced and sold.