Activity: “Smart Shopper”

Desired Outcome: I can manage money, compare costs from different retailers, and determine what I can afford to buy.

Curriculum Level: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Focus: Money

Introduction: 1. Begin the activity by discussing the importance of managing money and making wise purchasing decisions. 2. Explain that in this activity, students will become smart shoppers by comparing costs from different retailers and determining what they can afford to buy.

Activity Steps:

Step 1: Understanding Money and its Value 1. Provide students with a variety of coins and notes, including Scottish currency. 2. Ask students to identify and discuss the different denominations, their values, and their relationships (e.g., 1 pound = 100 pence). 3. Engage students in a discussion about the importance of budgeting and saving money.

Step 2: Comparing Costs from Different Retailers 1. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a list of items they might want to purchase (e.g., a toy, a book, a snack). 2. Instruct each group to research and find the prices of these items from different retailers (online or using provided catalogs). 3. Encourage students to compare prices, taking into account any discounts or special offers. 4. Have each group create a table or chart to compare the costs of the items from different retailers.

Step 3: Determining What You Can Afford to Buy 1. Ask each group to imagine they have a specific amount of money to spend (e.g., £20). 2. Instruct them to use their price comparison chart to determine what they can afford to buy within their budget. 3. Encourage students to consider factors such as quality, quantity, and personal preferences when making their decisions. 4. Have each group present their choices and explain their reasoning.

Step 4: Reflection and Extension 1. Facilitate a class discussion about the importance of comparing costs and making informed purchasing decisions. 2. Ask students to reflect on what they have learned about managing money and being a smart shopper. 3. Provide an extension activity where students can create a personal budget for a specific scenario (e.g., planning a day out, buying school supplies). 4. Encourage students to share their budgets and discuss their choices with their peers.

Conclusion: 1. Summarize the key points discussed during the activity, emphasizing the importance of managing money and making informed purchasing decisions. 2. Reinforce the idea that being a smart shopper involves comparing costs, considering quality, and staying within a budget. 3. Encourage students to apply these skills in their everyday lives to become responsible consumers.