"I want to go
shopping" said Nidhi, "Me too!” joined Sid carrying their Halloween
baskets. They just wanted to pretend play. An inquiry on shopping is filled
with early learning opportunities. Here is the conversation that happened next.
They: Fruits and
vegetables!
Me: Do you have any
money?
They: No!
I suggested them to make
some money and Nidhi volunteered happily.
She cut paper, drew
circles on one side and the corresponding numbers on the other side. She wanted
to write the numbers by herself and to my surprise switched to tally marks
whenever she couldn't draw the numeral. Sid joined in to paste some stickers
for the circles.
 |
| Making money |
I provided them some fresh fruits
and vegetables to set up shop.
"We want shopping
list". I wrote a couple of grocery list.
They wanted me to play
the role of shopkeeper which I happily accepted. Then they counted, collected
the items as per the list, waited for their turn for billing. I billed them and
gave receipts. They identified the currency for the amount in the receipt and
paid me. This went on for many rounds till I got exhausted and had to announce
that the shop is closed.
They also figured out
that 'Tomatoes are squishy', 'thin carrots are breakable' and 'Chayote squash
is heavier'. In my opinion, they could not have figured these facts out if they
were given play food and vegetables.
I was amazed at the
amount of learning that happened in the hour of this pretend play. I am listing
the learning outcomes below.
1. Counting
practice- counting the items as per the list, counting the dots on money to
identify the right amount etc.
2. Subitizing - speedy
recognition of number representations.
3. Writing skills and
reinforcing tally mark.
4. Fine motor skills -
cutting, sticker activities.
5. Identification and
categorization of fruits and veggies.
6. Learning grace and courtesy
- we modeled courteous conversations such as “Thank you for shopping with
us", "May I help you!" etc.
Perhaps these outcomes can be achieved by making a real trip to
the grocery store but this role play gives chances for repetition, widens their
imagination, deepens their confidence and gives a chance to sharpen many skills
that may not be part of real life experience.
I can see this project extending in many dimensions like
1. An art project to design
name and logo for the shop
2. A math project where simple
additions, concepts of pricing, weighing etc. can be introduced
3. A science project in which
various fruits and veggies and their nature are discussed.
What's my learning outcome as a guide/facilitator?
Don't ignore kids when they pretend play. Engage and
aid them and be amazed by finding out how much they are capable of
learning.
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