Any time we buy or sell something, we have to do add or subtract dollars and cents. When we buy something, we are giving up money, so we subtract that amount from what we had before. When we sell something, we are gaining money, so we add that amount to what we had before.
In this activity, you'll put this into practice by setting up your own "shop."
First, find five small household items. The items could include a spoon, a book, a chair, or a plate.
Make a "price tag" for each of these items. You can make up your own price for each one, but each price should be somewhere between $1.00 and $100.00.
Now, you're ready to set up shop. Display the five items and their price tags. Have three people "buy" one item each. They won't actually give you money, but when you "sell" the item, write down on a piece of paper how much you sold the item for.
After you have sold three items, add up their amounts. This will tell you how much money you made. You will have a better understanding of what buying and selling things is all about.
To extend the activity, sell all five items and then tally up how much money you made.
When you're finished with the activity, remember to return all the items to where you found them!
Ready to move on to the next lesson?
Reading Money Amounts
