Supermarket Shopping with young children is not easy but I found this activity helped. In addition it improves observational skills and extends vocabulary and understanding.
Make a card resource of all your usual supermarket items.
Prior to going to the shops sit down with your child and make a visual card shopping list. It helps to put the cards in isle order..
As an appropriate isle is reached hand two of three of the cards to your child and challenge them to ‘spot’ the items before you do! Keeping a score of who is winning also shows children that numbers have a practical side. That they are used in real life.
Very important!
It is important to establish ground ‘rules’ before you go shopping. The best way to do this is to roleplsy and have a few sessions of ‘going shopping’ games. Try to include positive rather than negative statements. For example instead of saying ‘You mustn’t run’ say ‘please walk down the isles.’
For example:
- Please walk down the isles.
- Please stay near mummy/daddy
- We must use out quiet voices.
- Please wait to be told to take the item off the shelf.
Creative Learning for Young Children 