Materials for the lesson

Images of euros (notes and coins, one or more for each child), scissors, A4 sheets.

Layout of the classroom

Phase 1-2: the task will be performed in the classroom.

Phase 3-4: the task will be performed in the classroom, but you should organize desks (and children) into groups.

Phase 1

The teacher explains what euro is and shows some examples. He/she asks the children if they are used to do shopping with their parents and if they remember the price of some objects (candies, chocolate, cards,…). They draw these objects on the blackboard.

Phase 2

Each child receives one or more images of euros: he/she has to crop them and collect them in an envelope.

The teacher explains that they will play the role of traders and they will create their own market.

The teacher divides the children into small groups (4-5 children) and they have to choose the name of their shop and the prices of their goods (they can sell class objects: pens, rubbers, pencil cases, notebooks,…).

Phase 3

When everyone is ready the game can start.

Each group has its own shop (made of desks): it has to display its goods and their prices. The children will use the money they have in the envelopes to give change. They can begin to sell and buy.

During the game they have to take notes of sold goods, prices and cash flows.

Phase 4

The teacher talks about the activity with the children and check their notes.