Authentic Writing Experiences and Math Problem-Solving Using Shopping Lists
Grades K-2
In the early grades, finding authentic writing experiences to challenge emergent writers is a challenge. Writing is such a difficult combination of language, reading, and fine-motor skills. Emergent writers need lots of practice and support, but how do you provide this without frustrating students? I chose this lesson for that very reason. I think it’s a great way to motivate students to write and to model an authentic writing task. That is the goal of the author of this lesson. In addition, this lesson fits in perfectly with the activities in my math curriculum.
The basic overview of this lesson is that students would create their own personal shopping lists for a class “store” and budget an allotted amount of money to buy treats. To begin, the author states that the purpose of this lesson is to motivate students to use their emergent writing skills by making writing purposeful, challenging, and real-to-life. The lesson meets a range of language arts and math standards, both state and national. Resources and materials for this lesson include access to the price list for items in the store, ten cents per student (provided by the teacher), items for sale in store, storage containers, small bowls, latex gloves to wear as you serve food items, a cash register or money box to use for collecting the money the students spend at the store and books with a money theme (the author provides a list). One of my favorite aspects of the lesson is the reflection sheet called “My Shopping Reflections.” This is a great, basic reflection that includes questions such as “What was your favorite part of the activity?” and “Did your list work the first time? If it didn’t, how did you change it?” This reflection ties in perfectly with the inquiry-based curriculum at our school.
The activity starts with an exploration of books and websites that deal with money, followed by a discussion of why making a grocery list is important. This makes up the first session. In the second session students bring a grocery list from home, explore grocery store ads and discuss pricing and budgets, and are shown the items and pricing for the class store. Their budget is explained and they make the first version of their list, using a mixture of drawings and words. Finally, in session 3, students are given the opportunity to complete or revise their lists. Students also conference with the teacher to make sure that they stay within the budget of 10 cents. Then they go shopping and celebrate by eating their treats. The reflection sheet is used individually or can be completed as a class.
Again, I love this thorough version of a lesson that I already use...I know this will enrich my teaching next time I teach money and implement a shopping experience!